Chapter 27
Spring Recess, April 1898
Concordia spent the rest of the college recess at her mother’s house. She helped Mother shop for her upcoming trip, browsing through the latest dinner dresses suitable for a steamer voyage. In addition, they toured the current exhibit at the Atheneum and enjoyed a quartet performing in Keney Park.
Alas, not all of their activities were congenial. Several women of Mrs. Wells’ social circle, learning Concordia was here for a visit, stopped by for tea.
Most were well-meaning elderly ladies, indulging idle curiosity about their friend’s spinster daughter who worked for a living. A lady professor was a novelty.
The cattier among Mother’s acquaintances, however, were less well-intentioned, having come to pry and jibe, preening the feathers of their self-
