Summary

In this section of the novel, the four Blair children — Robert, Rebecca, Ryan and James — tried to amuse themselves as their mother prepared for the party the family hosted each summer. Robert was the oldest child. As such, he tried hard to gain the respect of his mother and siblings, and, especially, the respect of his father. Rebecca was intelligent with a large vocabulary. She liked to think deeply about things. While Robert tried to be strict with the youngest brother, James, Ryan was sympathetic to the younger boy and often served as his caretaker. James was unruly and seemed to lack control over his impulses. It often took all of his siblings working together to keep him out of trouble.

When their father was at home the night before, Penny had promised the children that they could help with the party...