Contents
Chapter 26
Overview
Birdie abandons the dance club scheme and prepares to return home, heartsick over recent conflicts. At the post office, Garnett reveals plans to end Meg’s trial adoption under the eight-week clause, disparaging Meg and pressing bureaucratic leverage. The threat galvanizes Birdie, who hurries home to confront the crisis.
Summary
Birdie reflects on a childhood memory of a rickety fair ride, evoking her current dread after arguing with Charlie. Seeking to correct course, she walks to town and sends a telegram to Mrs. Tartt canceling the dance club plan and announcing she will return home to sell the house.
At the post office, Birdie receives a note from Jack, who will come Friday to pick her up; she replies yes despite possibly leaving earlier by train. The message deepens her emotional conflict, highlighting the uncertainty of her future with Jack.
As Birdie exits, she confronts Garnett. Intending to needle her, Birdie boasts about Meg’s placement with a well-off family. Garnett counters by revealing that she and the inspector plan to end Meg’s trial adoption and return her to the orphanage, citing the eight-week trial-period clause and labeling Meg a “bad apple.”
The news stuns Birdie, who realizes why Garnett previously discouraged the welfare letter. Garnett’s parting jab about Frances’s volunteer hours underscores her bureaucratic control.
Reeling, Birdie likens the situation to the dangerous fair ride—lives suspended by failing supports—and rushes home determined to speak with Charlie and respond to the imminent threat to Meg.
Who Appears
- BirdieNarrator; cancels the dance club plan, exchanges notes with Jack, confronts Garnett, and panics over Meg’s threatened adoption.
- GarnettAntagonist; reveals plan with inspector to revoke Meg’s trial adoption under the eight-week clause; demeans Meg and pressures Frances.
- MegAt risk; her trial adoption is targeted for termination by Garnett and the inspector.
- JackSends a note offering to pick up Birdie Friday; deepens Birdie’s emotional stakes.
- Mrs. TarttIntended recipient of Birdie’s telegram canceling the dance club arrangement.
- Mrs. NuttPost office clerk who facilitates note exchange between Birdie and Jack.
- CharlieEstranged after an argument; Birdie resolves to talk to him after learning of Meg’s jeopardy.
- FrancesAbsent but referenced; Garnett complains about her missed volunteer hours.