`` Poor Faith is so furious because she wo n't dare to dance tonight . Una does n't care , of course . She has never hankered after dancing . Somebody told Faith there would be a taffy-pull in the kitchen for those who did n't dance and you should have seen the face she made . She and Jem will sit out on the rocks most of the evening , I suppose . Did you know that we are all to walk down as far as that little creek below the old House of Dreams and then sail to the lighthouse ? Wo n't it just be absolutely divine ? '' `` When I was fifteen I talked in italics and superlatives too , '' said Miss Oliver sarcastically . `` I think the party promises to be pleasant for young fry . I expect to be bored . None of those boys will bother dancing with an old maid like me . Jem and Walter will take me out once out of charity . So you ca n't expect me to look forward to it with your touching young rapture . '' `` Did n't you have a good time at your first party , though , Miss Oliver ? '' `` No . I had a hateful time . I was shabby and homely and nobody asked me to dance except one boy , homelier and shabbier than myself . He was so awkward I hated him -- and even he did n't ask me again . I had no real girlhood , Rilla . It 's a sad loss .
That 's why I want you to have a splendid , happy XXXXX .
Dreams Jem Oliver Rilla Una Walter first girlhood lighthouse taffy-pull