You gaze through the front windows at the gray, blustery day outside and shiver involuntarily. Yawning, you turn and face the Franklin stove, stretching your thin fingers closer to the warmth. You wish your lungs had not cleared so quickly, so you could remain at home and never see South Hadley again. As much as you love Chemistry and Physiology, you would rather curl up with The Maiden Aunt or The Epicurean. Oh well. Only a short while now until the end of the term.

With any luck, you will outlast Miss Lyon and her evangelical revival; your last school assembly could not have been more awkward. When Miss Lyon asked that everyone who wanted to be Christian rise, you almost did; your leg even twitched, but something kept you glued to your seat. Your standing classmates moved to congratulate you, until they realized that you intended to remain seated. They thought it queer you didn't rise...you thought a lie would be queerer.

You gather together some clothing from the Sheraton bureau to pack into your valise and briefly consider packing one or two of the books Father brought for you; no, you know that you will not read them. If he notices, you will plead the burden of your studies.

Turn to page 43.