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Show Nettie, Page 80 Nettie's ears in staccato succession. Afraid to turn around and watch as her parents discussed her decision, Nettie could only picture Mama as she bent over the kitchen table, the lamplight reflecting reddish gold highlights from her piled up hair. " . . . no place for a young girl," Mama was saying now. And then a low murmur. At last all was quiet, the lamplight flickered out and the only sounds were an occasional rustle of clothing as Papa and Mama prepared themselves for bed. Sleep overcame Nettie. Papa drove Clarence and Alice to school without Nettie the next day. He had a while before the post office opened, so he drove the wagon back to the house and called Nettie to him. Mama stood at Papa's side. Her face was rather expressionless, but Papa's was full of concern. "You're sure this is what you want, daughter?" "Yes, Papa," she affirmed. "But I want you to know I love you, Papa. And you, Mama," Nettie hastened to assure them. "We know. And we love you. Which is why we are concerned about your leaving home. At thirteen you are not exactly ready to meet the world." "I'll be fourteen next month, Papa, and I'll remember everything you taught me," Nettie's optimism and eagerness shone through her words. Papa smiled and knew there was little he could say to warn Nettie of the enormously different world she would be entering. Gone would be the warmth and protection of a home, parents, church, neighbors who knew and |