THE PEARL NECKLACE, by E.B. DavisPeggy Brant’s heart raced as she peered into Galloway Department Store’s display window on her way to work. She couldn’t resist. The sign in the window proclaimed, “Congratulations Class of 1961.” Graduation gifts for young men and women were showcased. Fancy pen sets, leather belts, luggage, watches, graduation charms, Smith Corona typewriters, and pearl necklaces. She pined for a pearl necklace, but the cheapest one was eighty dollars and the most expensive, two hundred and thirty dollars, more than a fifth of her yearly college tuition, room, and board. Her mother could never afford such luxuries. If not for the scholarships Peggy had won, looking for a full-time job would be on her agenda. Working part-time at the diner with her mother was all the menia
