The ride to South Hadley unfortunately does not last very long, and too soon Father hands you your valise and bids you farewell; you feel an empty wave roll through the pit of your stomach, and tears well up in your eyes. Father either does not notice your anxiety, or pretends not to notice, and does not look back to see you waving as he leaves.

You walk dejectedly to your dormitory, where Cousin Emily awaits you; she knows that it will take you some hours to warm to the idea of being back at school, and so gives you a silent embrace and hands you the geometry book. You quickly unpack and sit down at your desk to study for the hour remaining until supper. This hour, even together with the three or so after supper, is not likely to ensure that you pass your exam next morning; you let your mind wander, scribbling tangential thoughts in the margins of your notebook.

The supper bell rings, and Cousin Emily asks you whether you made it through the second chapter; noting your consternation, she looks down at your book, opened to the preface.

"Oh, Emily!" she gently chides, then clasps your hand and drags you to the roast veal and apple-dumpling dinner that awaits.

Turn to page 34.