John bluntly
introduces Miss Reillen, the librarian, by explaining that the kids call her "the
Cricket" because she "is a little on the fat side, but that doesn't stop her from
wearing these tight skirts which make her nylon stockings rub together when she walks so she
makes this scraaaaaaatchy sound" (Chapter 1). When Lorraine takes over the narration, she
qualifies John's description, pointing out that Miss Reillen is "really a very nice woman,
though it's true her clothes are too tight, and her nylons do make this scraaaaaaatchy sound
when she walks". In a sort of backhanded attempt to be positive, she emphasizes that Miss
Reillen
"isn't trying to be sexy or anything. If you
could see her, you'd know that. She just outgrew her clothes. Maybe she doesn't have any money
to buy new ones or get the old ones let out. Who knows what kind of problems she has? Maybe
she's got a sick mother at home".
Lorraine, who prides
herself for being able to look at people and the world with compassion, acknowledges that Miss
Reillen may appear ludicrous, but, with awkward sincerity, tries to see the good side in her as
well. She makes it clear that the librarian is "nice", and tries to find reasons to
excuse her for the way she dresses (Chapter 2).
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