We sat down and bowed our heads while Dad said grace. At the end, just before the "Amen," he asked God to watch over Alma. (Alma is my mother.) He does that before

every meal, as far as I know, and sometimes I think he overdoes things. After all, my mother has been dead for almost eleven years. I bless her at night before I go to sleep, and it seems to me that that ought to be enough.

"Well, how was your day, Mary Anne?"

"Fine," I replied.

"How did you do on your spelling test?"

I took a bite of salad, even though I wasn't a bit hungry. "Fine. I got a ninety-nine. It was — "

"Mary Anne, please don't speak with your mouth full."

I swallowed. "I got a ninety-nine," I repeated. "It was the highest grade in the class."

"That's wonderful. I'm very proud of you. Your studying paid off."

I nodded.

"Did you have a meeting of your club this afternoon?" he asked.

"Yeah . . . yes."

Kristy, Claudia, and Stacey are all surprised that Dad allows me to be in the club and to do so much baby-sitting. What they don't know is that the only reason he likes our business is that he thinks it teaches me responsibility and how to plan ahead, save money, and that sort of thing.

"What went on? Anything special?" Dad attempted a smile.

I shook my head. There was no way I was going to tell him about the fight we'd had.

"Well," said Dad, trying hard to make conversation, "my case went . . . went very well today. Quite smoothly, really. I feel certain that we're going to win."

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I didn't know what case he was talking about, but I had a feeling I should have known. He'd probably told me about it. "That's great, Dad."

"Yes. Thank you."

We ate in silence for several minutes.

"This case is interesting because it demonstrates the extreme importance of honesty in business dealings," he said finally. "Always remember that, Mary Anne. Be scrupulously honest and fair. It will serve you in good stead."