Mela Dryfoos

XI

Implied as one of the daughters who pressured Dryfoos to sell the farm and move to New York for social advancement.

VIII

Chatters freely about local customs and theatre, showing a lack of social refinement that embarrasses her sister.

IX

Enjoys Fulkerson's teasing and feels she has figured brilliantly in society.

III

Giggles and watches Christine's bliss with unselfish pleasure, plays piano chords, and answers her father's questions about the banjo.

VII

Engages in conversation with Margaret, laughs coarsely, and shows childlike joy at the invitation.

VIII

Good-natured and simple, she is less conscious of social slights but eagerly embraces the attention, seeing it as natural and deserved.

IX

Enjoys the party and talks freely with March, displaying her lack of social refinement and her candid nature.

VI

Tends to her mother with patience; helps get her to bed.

Chapter VIII

Mela is subdued and caring toward her parents, showing a childish interest in her mourning but behaving with more restraint than before.

XII

Helps arrange the funeral flowers and welcomes guests; criticizes Christine's lovesickness for Beaton and tries to cheer her father.

XVII

Present during Beaton's visit; she explains Christine's outburst afterward.