Summary

Billy started wailing. Ede had yanked the teddy-bear "from his arms," and when he tried taking it back, she pushed him "to the floor" (65). Edith tried not to laugh when she scolded Ede. Joe helped his son up. Good-natured, he seemed unconcerned about the incident. Mrs. Markey swept in, worried that Billy was injured. Joe insisted he was fine. Billy wanted his bear back, and had forgotten about the fall. When he tried taking it from Ede, she pushed him again, this time more forcefully. Billy's head hit the hard floor. The Markeys' exclaimed. Mrs. Markey scooped up Billy. She insisted Ede should "be spanked" (66). Edith held her daughter, and scolded her. Then, Ede put her head back and laughed an "infectious laugh" (66). Edith suddenly burst out laughing too. She stopped when she noticed how upset Mrs. Markey was. Joe also frowned at...