Perhaps the best (and possibly only) example of this comes
during the missionary circle tea in Chapter 24. Scout is never happy about having to
exhibit any ladylike ways, but she tries her best at the church gathering. She wears her
best Sunday dress and a petticoat, and she bites her tongue when Miss Stephanie makes
a joke at her expense. Although much of the conversation is over her head, Scout
understands enough to come away with a less-than-satisfactory final impression of many
of the women. Following Atticus' news of Tom's death, both Miss Maudie and Aunt
Alexandra regain their composure and continue serving the ladies as if nothing had
happened. This does impress Scout, who politely asks Mrs. Merriweather--who had earlier
drawn the ire of Miss Maudie--if she would like a cookie,
too.
After
all, if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could
I.
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