White Lilacs

For Catherine Jane’s 15th birthday, Rose Lee and Aunt Tillie work all day on different desserts. As the party is about to begin, Catherine Jane calls Rose Lee up to her room. Catherine Jane is sitting in front of a mirror, with a large part of her hair cut off, attempting to make it into a bob like the women she saw in Chicago. Distressed, she begs Rose Lee for help. Rose Lee is hesitant, realizing how angry Catherine Jane’s mother will be, but relents, using a photo to do her best to cut her hair into a bob. When Catherine Jane goes downstairs, Rose Lee hears Mrs. Bell screaming.

Later, as the party comes to an end, Mrs. Bell is less upset. Rose Lee sees that Mrs. Bell is actually “proud” that her daughter is the first in Dillon with the newest fashion. Rose Lee realizes that Catherine Jane “would someday be a lady to be reckoned with” (181).

That night, the first family leaves Freedomtown. Mr. Morgan, the town’s mortician, takes his daughter, Bessie, and his wife with plans to find somewhere up north to live. The entire town comes out to a dinner in their honor and to see them off.