Summarize
Into the St. Louis, during the summer out-of 1903, seventeen-year-dated Esther Smith fantasizes from the appointment John Truett, new bashful child-next-door, if you are the girl elderly sis Flower frets on the their beau, Warren Sheffield, who is off on Yale. Sure that Warren, who’s getting in touch with Rose within six:29 you to nights, are in the end gonna intend to the lady cousin, Esther organizes that have Katie, brand new Smiths’s housekeeper, on household members to eat dinner very early, to ensure that Flower gets particular privacy when you’re talking towards telephone. Esther’s cantankerous dad Alonzo, who may have not already been advised in regards to the requested label, spoils this lady plan, although not, as he claims on the dinner within common big date.
Throughout the eating, folk, and additionally Esther’s five-yr old sis “Tootie,” attempts to rush Lon together, although phone rings just like the main course is supported. Just like the their loved ones eavesdrops toward whole conversation, Flower tries to 
prod Warren towards a suggestion, but he becomes mired when you look at the small-talk and you will hangs upwards as opposed to uttering a single personal phrase. , who can Princeton. Within class, Esther to start with feigns indifference to help you John, however, covers their hat to keep him from the house and you may upcoming asks your to help the girl turn off all lighting. Regardless if John is really attracted to the newest flirtatious Esther, he could be also bashful so you’re able to kiss their, and you will as an alternative provides the woman a hearty handshake.
In advance of the guy leaves, Esther invites your to become listed on their family members you to definitely Weekend getting good trip of the St. Louis Exposition fairgrounds, and he tentatively accepts. On Sunday, Esther delays eagerly to possess John from the trolley end, but he’s got maybe not showed up by the time brand new trolley was arranged to go out of. Because the trolley is take out, although not, John looks and you may, to help you Esther’s joy, hops on the near to her. Months after, Tootie and her a little older aunt Agnes decorate since the goblins and you will day to help you enjoy Halloween for the neighborhood students. Nervous to prove herself, Tootie, who’s obsessed with dying, insists toward getting in touch with feared neighbors Mr. Braukoff so you’re able to his door and you can, following regional customized, blows flour within his face. After Tootie was ily on the a panic whenever she yields home, weeping, bruised and you can cut. Tootie states one to John strike her by the trolley music, and though Esther to start with will not believe the woman, she alter her mind when a good clump from hair is located within the Tootie’s hands. Angry, Esther storms out over John’s household, accuses your of being a great bully following sounds and you may hits him.
Afterwards, not, Tootie and you can Agnes acknowledge that John in reality saved him or her of getting arrested when they almost brought about a major accident on the trolley songs. Esther rushes back once again to John’s home so you can apologize, and you may John besides forgives the girl, however, flirts together also. Later that night, Lon, an attorney, productivity where you can find mention you to definitely their business was moving him to New york. Though Lon are into new transfer, which involves a promotion, Anna as well as the students function that have surprise and you may proper care. Fundamentally, although not, Anna believes towards move, therefore the Smiths intend to get off St. Louis just after Christmas time. Months afterwards, on holiday Eve, Flower are disturb while the going to Warren features enjoy Lucille Ballard, an Easterner, for the local Christmas time dancing in the place of her.
Leon Ames
Right back out of Princeton, Lon, Jr., is also crazy as he desired to query Lucille toward dancing. Once Katie convinces Lon, Jr., in order to companion Flower into dancing, Esther’s arrangements is interrupted when John is obligated to split his go out together just like the the guy failed to get right to the tailor’s at some point to get their tuxedo. Though Esther assures John the woman is maybe not distressed, she after stops working from inside the tears and you can refuses to getting escorted of the Lon, Jr. Whenever Esther’s grandfather, but not, proposes to capture the woman, she gratefully welcomes. At moving, Esther and you can Flower strategy facing Lucille, exactly who he’s never ever met, of the filling out her dancing credit to your labels away from clods. Their package backfires whenever Lucille happens to be sweet and you will claims one to Rose be that have Warren, if you find yourself she matches Lon, Jr. Ashamed, Esther offers Lucille the girl dancing credit, up coming braves the latest clods.