Chapters 7 and 8 Summary

Later that evening, Annie tells her parents of her wish not to attend Sunday School this summer. Mrs. Metcalf is concerned that Annie will get bored without this summer ritual. Annie assures her mother that she will find enough to keep her busy during summer vacation. She accompanies her father to her grandfather's home so that Dr. Metcalf can inspect Uncle Paul's motorcycle, which Dr. Metcalf plans to drive to work each day. Annie's heart is saddened at the sight of the abandoned motorcycle, and she remembers the joyful ride she shared with Uncle Paul just a year ago. Grandfather invites Annie to accompany him to St. John's again, and she reluctantly agrees to go.

Annie celebrates the Fourth of July with her family in a downtown park, among other picnicking families. Annie revels in her grandmother's home-cooked dishes, because her...