The Portable Dorothy Parker Study Guide

In the Lovely Leave, Mimi McVicker awaits her husband's return from active duty as a pilot with the Air Force. Steve McVicker has been away for six months and has been granted a short leave to return home. Mimi spends a great deal of time, money and energy preparing for Steve's return, wanting to make the visit as pleasant and memorable as possible. There are new flowers throughout the apartment, a new black dress, and a new nightgown. There will be delicious food and a wife waiting eagerly to see her husband. When Steve returns, he breaks the news that all leaves have been canceled and that he has orders to be on the next train to a new command post. Mimi is thoroughly upset and does nothing the entire time but cry, whine, and try to pick a fight. After Steve leaves, Mimi calls a friend and relays the tale, saying that it was a lovely leave. (read more)