Old-Dad

"Old-Dad" by Eleanor Hallowell Abbott is a story fixed on Daphne Bretton, a college student on the brink of expulsion because of scandal. As she faces the possibility of this event, it shakes the foundations of her relationship with her father, Jaffrey Bretton, leading to a situation where they must confront the ideas of reputation, family, and who they are. It opens with Daphne revealing the news of her likely expulsion from college to her father, showing how estranged they are. Jaffrey’s youthful behavior and responses introduce a layer of depth, suggesting he, too, is dealing with the situation. Together, they navigate the fallout, focusing on Daphne's shame and confusion, which sets the stage for discovering themselves and the issues ahead.