The Real Aunt Molly
Aunt Molly is a sweet-natured, cheerful woman whose sole interest in life is her home. After being widowed, she becomes less cheerful, and concentrates her time and energy on bringing up her twin sons, Winston and Clement. The narrator, cousin Rufus, observes the changes in her. As the twins grow into teenagers, they become restless with the household routine, and decide to organise something exciting for their mother’s 39th birthday: a visit to a television studio to see one of her favourite shows live. The twins organise a trip to see Maxwell Marvel, an expert hypnotist. Aunt Molly goes along with the idea to please her sons.At the end of the show, Marvel asks for a final volunteer. The twins propose their mother, and ask Marvel to make her more decisive and self-confident. She is hypnotised easily, but no sooner has Maxwell finished than he collapses on stage. Aunt Molly confidently organises medical aid. Back home, the change in Aunt Molly is marked. She develops a whole range of new interests, reads avidly and paints. The twins and Rufus find the new Aunt Molly very different but very likeable. Finally Aunt Molly announces she is leaving for a holiday in Greece with a professor. Meanwhile, Grandpa has received a letter with a tape recording from the now deceased Marvel, which would undo the hypnotic suggestion. With their Aunt now departed to Greece, the twins and Rufus are