One day, Aunt Alexandra hosted a missionary circle social at the Finch house. Mrs. Grace Merriweather reported on the conditions of a group of people living in Africa. She described their lives as being very uncivilized. A missionary was there seeking to convert them. Mrs. Merriweather placed the missionary on a pedestal as a saint.
Aunt Alexandra requested that Scout dress up in her best clothes and join the ladies. Scout tried to be polite and engaged the ladies in conversation. After a while, Atticus called Aunt Alexandra into the kitchen and Scout followed. He revealed terrible news: Tom Robinson had been shot trying to escape. He had been killed. At first, Scout observed her aunt's reaction, which was one of shock and sadness. Then Scout "found [herself] shaking and couldn’t stop." After a time, Aunt Alexandra suggested that they compose themselves and rejoin the ladies who were visiting for the social. Scout went out into the living room with her aunt. She was beginning to learn how to be a lady. She reasoned:
"After all, if Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I."
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