Sunday, February 21, 2010

And You Can Quote Me: The Boxcar Children #5: Mike's Mystery; Gertrude Chandler Warner

(in which more things are named, gender roles are further enforced and washing machines are incredibly exciting)

Jessie nodded at her older brother. "Yes, we will get off at Yellow Sands now. I think that is a beautiful name. Our uranium fields look just like yellow sand."

"[The horse] is taking it easy these days," said Maggie. "He stays out in the field all the time eating grass. This car goes faster."
"You mean you can drive it, Maggie?" asked Jessie.
"Yes," said Maggie smiling. "Sam says I drive alright."

"Remember Pat? My big brother?"
"Oh, yes, " said Henry. "He was the one who almost got drowned at the picnic."

"I'm glad," said Mrs. Wood very quietly. " I love to bake pies the best of anything. I wish I had time."
"Haven't you time?" asked Jessie, puzzled.
"No, dear," said Mrs. Wood. Her voice sounded sad. "I was all day to earn money to help keep us. I'm lucky to have a washing machine."

He showed them the door of the super market which opened all by itself.

"I'm afraid it is," said Jessie, trying to read. "That lovely new, pink house, and the washing machine and the electric stove!"

(Note: What Jessie is reacting to is a friend's house being burnt to the ground, the main plot point of the story)

"Well, well, Mr. Carter!" cried Henry. "We are so glad to see you again. You always seem to pop up when there is trouble."
"I try to," said John Carter with a twinkle in his eye.

"So when the place cools off, the pink house will be built again," replied the man.
"How about the things inside? The washing machine?" asked Jessie.

(Note: At this point, the children decide to set Mrs. Wood, Mike's mother, up with a pie shop)

"Sign?" cried Benny. "Did you say a sign? I'll tell you a good sign. Mike's Mother's Place."
..."Wonderful!" said Jessie. "And what a wonderful name for this place!"

"Oh, I remember," said Mr. Alden. "He had a brother who almost drowned."

Jessie wanted t wash dishes first. She filled the dish pan with hot soap suds. Then one by one, she slid the plates in, and washed them with a sponge. "I just love to do this," she said.

No comments:

Post a Comment