BLACK-EYED SUSAN

According to her father, who's ""sentimental,"" black-eyed Susan (twelve) turns from ""a tough little wildflower"" into ""a dainty jonquil."" Beyond the flowery effusions it's a case of adjustment (Daddy calls it a ""transplant"") from farm to town when Grandad needs help in the lumberyard, primarily because of age and maybe allergies, incidentally because it's 1936 with ""that man"" in the White House. Invariably taking spills (""fudge!"") and ripping dresses, she stands in awe of Mrs. Hamilton (a real live artist) who paints in trousers and Billy Jack Jackson who bikes for Grandad before taking off for Canada. And she frets when her older sisters say nothing about her being a member of the wedding. After a Landon whistle non-stop interruption, the hot dog! finish features a bridesmaid dress and a bicycle (Billy Jack's replacement can't ""cut the mustard""). Organza in the Ozarks, no bigger than a breadbasket.