Even the Paulsens lost interest in the Berglunds, now that Merrie was running for city council.

NEWYORKER: Good Neighbors

Not since the late 1970s have I come to an England that has so very little reason to be merrie.

WSJ: Joe Queenan's Guide to England | Moving Targets

Merrie, who was ten years older than Patty and looked every year of it, had formerly been active with the S.D.

NEWYORKER: Good Neighbors

Merrie Paulsen was convinced that Patty was, in fact, the slasher.

NEWYORKER: Good Neighbors

Merrie explained that Carol Monaghan was, in fact, no longer renting.

NEWYORKER: Good Neighbors

It had taken her an awfully long time to start looking her age, but now at last Merrie Paulsen had been rewarded in her wait for it to happen.

NEWYORKER: Good Neighbors

To be sure of it, Merrie probed a little.

NEWYORKER: Good Neighbors

Another problem, as Merrie Paulsen pointed out, was that Patty was no great progressive and certainly no feminist (staying home with her birthday calendar, baking those God-damned birthday cookies) and seemed altogether allergic to politics.

NEWYORKER: Good Neighbors

Merrie shook her head.

NEWYORKER: Good Neighbors