In a small town, the arrival of summer brings city visitors, including the Trescotts, who are known for their artistic connections. The family includes a painter and his beautiful, commanding daughter, Cora. Cora quickly becomes the center of attention among the local children, who initially fear her but soon admire and obey her. On her birthday, Cora receives five dollars from her father, which she uses to treat her friends to ice cream and candy, leading to a chaotic and indulgent outing. Cora's leadership inspires the children to visit a local barber, William Neeltje, where they all decide to get their hair cut. The excitement escalates as they take turns in the barber's chair, with Cora leading the charge. However, the joy turns to horror when they return home to their parents, who are appalled by the children's shorn heads. The mothers, particularly Cora's, are distraught over the loss of their children's hair, leading to a dramatic scene filled with wailing and confusion. The fathers, including Cora's, attempt to make sense of the situation, while the children, initially proud of their new looks, become confused by the adults' reactions. The chaos continues as the parents confront the barber and each other, with the Margate twins' mother particularly incensed. Amidst the turmoil, one grandfather finds humor in the situation, suggesting that the children might prefer their new looks. As the dust settles, it becomes clear that the incident was sparked by Cora's birthday money, leading to a confrontation between her mother and father. The story concludes with the family navigating the aftermath of the children's impulsive decision, highlighting the clash between childhood innocence and adult expectations. The narrative explores themes of authority, social dynamics among children, and the often humorous yet poignant misunderstandings between generations.
By Stephen Crane · First published 1899 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Satire · 2 chapters