A MIDNIGHT RIDE "Mary V, what are you doing in the kitchen?
Remember, I told you you shouldn't make any more fudge for a week.

I don't want any more sessions with Bedelia like I had last time you left the kitchen all messed up with your candy.

What are you _doing_ ?" Mary V licked a dab of loganberry jelly from her left thumb and answered with her face turned toward the open window nearest the porch where her mother sat rocking peacefully.
"Oh, for gracious _sake_, mom! I'm only putting up a little lunch before I go to bed.

I'm going to take my rides earlier, after this, and it wouldn't be kind for me to wake the whole house up at daybreak, getting my lunch ready--" "If you're going at daybreak, why do you need a lunch?
If you think I'll permit you to stay out in the heat all day without any breakfast--" "Well, mom! I can't take pictures at daybreak, can I?
I've _got_ to stay out till the light is strong enough.

And there's a special place I want, and if I go early, I can get back early; before lunch, at the very latest.