The Proposal

Minerva Ackermann and Willard Henley are in love! For Minerva, it's a blissful dream come true, but painful choices lurk behind the moonlit verandahs and fragrant arbors where she and Willard meet. Could she leave the gracious world of Ackermann's Respository to join Willard in a strange and unfamiliar publication? Certainly, The New Yorker was jam-packed full of up-to-the minute information and advice for the trendy set, but it was a life Minerva feared she could never be part of.

No Words Necessary

A Day At The Lake

The gang goes swimming today! Doris and Mabel organized a swimming party at the lake, even installing some sturdy floating docks, which the young fellows wasted no time in using for diving and general horseplay. Although the Arrow sisters showed off their smart new bathing attire, Dolly, Minerva, and Delphine continued to honor Father Ackermann's admonition to avoid the fashions imposed on them. Dolly and Delphine came across as somewhat out-of-date, but poor Minerva had chosen a costume that was hopelessly antiquated. Did it dampen the ardor of Willard Henley? Not a whit! A romantic smile came over his face, and he was heard to be whistling the tune of "I Want A Girl Just Like The Girl That Married Dear Old Dad."

My grandparents met on a New York City beach around1910. In those days, thick ropes were attached to the piers for non-swimmers to hold on to as the waves came in. My grandfather noticed a pretty girl holding on a rope, but still getting knocked down by every wave, coming up spluttering. He offered to teach her to swim, saying that her death would be on his conscience if he didn't. And here we are today!

Minerva's Way With Dogs

Minerva has a special way with dogs. She charms them, and soon the adoring creatures are willing to do anything she pleases with them. Several of the local dogs have acquired odd tricks such as "stacking" and "posing", which is a great source of amusement for the dogs' owners. 

Dolly, Minerva, and Delphine are visiting Held Manor for the day, and Mr. Arrow is acting as chaperone. Several of Minerva's dog pupils have followed her, so the girls have decided that an impromptu show would be quite entertaining. The posing spaniels made a comic impression, except that Flash kept trying to play fetch with his flute. The dog stack was a hit with little Digger, dressed up in a sailor suit removed from a doll, topping the pyramid. For Willard, this is just one more confirmation that Minerva Ackermann is the most amazing girl in the world.