ABSTRACT
First there was the contrast within the family. Both parents were in their late 40s when Katie was born, and both were as plain as she was beautiful. They were usually taken to be her grandparents. Then there was the mismatch between her age and the manner and content of her conversation. The unexpectedness of it, the discomfort of being addressed in such adult terms by such a tiny child aroused a sense of indignation and disapproval in those who met her. On top of all this were the surprising accomplishments. A 3-year-old is just not expected to be able to do all the things that she did, and with such evident enthusiasm. Katie was something discordant. She was an exceptional child-and no-one liked her.
