Summary

The Sociable – Mary Power tells Laura about a dime sociable being hosted by the Ladies’ Aid Society in Mrs. Tinkham’s rooms above the furniture store across the street. Ma consents to Laura’s attending, helps her get ready, and allows Laura to cut her hair for stylish bangs (which some refer to as a “lunatic fringe” derisively). Many people are at the sociable, including newly-arrived Reverend Brown and his wife. Reverend Brown is supposedly a cousin of the abolitionist, John Brown. The sociable is a bit boring to Laura and Mary Power since they are the only girls there.

Literaries – Christmas approaches. Laura becomes overwhelmed by the monotony of winter life and studying all the time. Pa announces that people in the town will be forming a literary society. Laura and her family head to the meeting at the...