Summary

Oletta takes Cecelia by the hand and whispers "smile" as Aunt Tootie introduces her. Then she takes Cecelia into the crowd where she is passed from one person to another; kissed and pinched and fawned over until Cecelia feels like a ballerina in a music box. Cecelia can hardly believe the extravagant spread and pastel colors. Everyone drank Long Island iced tea and when she manages to escape for a moment, she washes her face and grabs her camera. Cecelia grabs a plate of treats and sits on a bench just as Oletta jumps up and flags down a taxi. Cecelia is delighted to see not only Chessie and Nadine, but Sapphire, Mrs. Obee and Flossy as well. She hugs them all. Mrs. Obee presents Tallulah with a pale pink orchid in a pot, and gives Mrs. Odell a pot of yellow orchids...