The happiest time of their lives

by Alice Duer Miller

"The Happiest Time of Their Lives" by Alice Duer Miller is a novel written during the early 20th century. This work features Mathilde Severance, a young girl navigating her feelings of love and anticipation as she waits for a visit from Wayne, the boy she met at a dance. The narrative explores themes of romance, parental relationships, and social expectations within a wealthy New York context. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Mathilde, who is excited yet nervous as she prepares for a visit from Wayne, whom she danced with the previous night. The details of her thoughts reveal her inexperience, eagerness, and a deep longing for connection. As she waits, her emotions flow from hopeful anticipation to despair and back to joy upon Wayne's arrival. Their interaction is filled with youthful innocence and the beginning of what may be a significant romance. The opening sets the stage for exploring their blossoming relationship against the backdrop of their respective family dynamics and societal expectations.