A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Francie spends much of her time studying to try to take the exam to get into college next year. She also starts taking dance and sewing lessons. Neeley starts dating a girl Francie doesn’t approve of, and Francie continues to think about Ben. When 1918 begins, the Nolans are better off than they have ever been. They have a little bit of money and often tease and laugh with each other.

A girl Francie knows asks Francie to go out with one her boyfriend’s friends so she can have some alone time with her boyfriend. Francie ends up having a wonderful dinner with Corporal Lee Rhynor, who is happy to oblige her with his life story. She also reminisces on the happy parts of her past. They both agree that having dinner together makes them feel less “lonely” (451). He tells her he is about to ship out for war and wants to know if he can pretend that she is his “best girl” for the night (450). After a four-hour dinner, they walk along the Brooklyn Bridge until Francie insists she has to go home. Lee kisses her before she disappears into the trolley.

The next day, she gets all dressed up thinking he might show up to take her out again.