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Amory, Son of Beatrice
ButanothertimeAmoryshowedoffinhistoryclass,withquitedisastrousresults,fortheboystherewerehisownage,andtheyshrilledinnuendoesateachotherallthefollowingweek:
"Aw—Ib’lieve,doncherknow,theUmuricunrevolutionwaslawgelyanaffairofthemiddulclawses,"or
"Washingtoncameofverygoodblood—aw,quitegood—Ib’lieve."
Amoryingeniouslytriedtoretrievehimselfbyblunderingonpurpose.TwoyearsbeforehehadcommencedahistoryoftheUnitedStateswhich,thoughitonlygotasfarastheColonialWars,hadbeenpronouncedbyhismothercompletelyenchanting.
Hischiefdisadvantagelayinathletics,butassoonashediscoveredthatitwasthetouchstoneofpowerandpopularityatschool,hebegantomakefurious,persistenteffortstoexcelinthewintersports,andwithhisanklesachingandbendinginspiteofhisefforts,heskatedvaliantlyaroundtheLorelierinkeveryafternoon,wonderinghowsoonhewouldbeabletocarryahockey-stickwithoutgettingitinexplicablytangledinhisskates.
TheinvitationtoMissMyraSt.Claire’sbobbingpartyspentthemorninginhiscoatpocket,whereithadanintensephysicalaffairwithadustypieceofpeanutbrittle.Duringtheafternoonhebroughtittolightwithasigh,andaftersomeconsiderationandapreliminarydraftinthebackofCollarandDaniel’s"First-YearLatin,"composedananswer:
MydearMissSt.Claire:
YourtrulycharmingenvitationfortheeveningofnextThursdayeveningwastrulydelightfultoreceivethismorning.
