The Need to Love

George's birthday has always been celebrated by the whole Crandall family, so when George called at the last minute to say that he couldn't come, his younger sister Jill was upset. Her older brother was her favorite, and besides, it was George that she turned to for help in family conflicts-ever since the death of her mother and father-and just now there were several.

George was important for another reason, too. It was his success in the big New York firm that had brought to Crandall family recognition in the small New Hampshire town. Without George, Grace Waring, a born snob, would not have consented to her son Guy's engagement to Jill. In fact, George's decision not to come for his birthday party would definitely spoil Grace Waring's plans: she had sent out invitations to a party at which George would be the guest of honor. And Guy Waring seemed to have difficulty standing up to his status-seeking mother.

However, none of this is nearly as upsetting as the information Jill receives from the editor of the town newspaper where she works. That evening there will be a story in the newspaper about George. And Jill will need all the help she can get to deal with its crushing impact.