“There wasn’t, really. I had a row with the English master about a theme because I left out some commas and they were putting it into the school magazine and he edited it. He put the commas back in and ran some of the sentences together so that they would be well-rounded, he said. I told him he hadn’t any right to do it. He didn’t have, either. He said there were certain rules of language, and I said, all right, I would make up some more. He was sore.” “What else?” said Mary. “Then there were lots of little things. Mother, I hate that place. I told you, Christmas. I said this would happen.” “But you promised to try, dear. Did you?” “I did try at first. There was a meeting in the auditorium last week and there was a man there to talk. He used to be a friend of Roosevelt and he was Miller’s cousin. They always play the Star Spangled Banner and you’re supposed to stand at attention, and I didn’t.” “But why didn’t you?” said Bob. Blake said nothing. He couldn’t explain. It had been a sudden rush of anger at everything; he couldn’t put that feeling into words for Bob. “Well, dear, and then?” “I was called up to Miller and we had a fight about everything that had happened. There was something else; a silly old fight about making too much noise in the library.” Blake’s eyes met Teddy’s, and he thought he saw the other boy nod at him. He was a little comforted. “Well, well, well,” said Bob, standing up, “it’s a revolutionary age. We mustn’t take these things too seriously, Mary. Remember, we all outgrow it. I must be getting along. Come on, Ted. Remember Tuesday.” He patted Blake’s head, kissed Mary, and went out. Teddy nodded casually and followed him. He looked a little embarrassed. Mary patted Blake’s head, too, but she couldn’t think of anything to say. He put down a cookie on the table and said, “I’m awfully sorry. I couldn’t help it, honestly.” “I know. But I’m a little worried. What will you do in the fall?” “Couldn’t I stop trying to go to school? It’s no use, really. Let me go to work.” “Don’t be ridiculous, dear. What could you do?” “I don’t know. Something. I don’t want to worry you.” “You know you don’t worry me. I want you to find yourself.” “Uh-huh.” He twirled a button on his coat. “Well,” she said, “we’ll think about it. You spend the summer here and get a good rest.” “What’s it like?” “Oh, I think you’ll like it very much. There are plenty of people for you to play with.” “How are you?” “Better, I think. Doctor Browning says to be very quiet this summer, and it ought to work wonders.” “Who’s Madden?” “That’s a very nice boy. Bob says he is really talented. He’s been here since early spring; I think he worked his way out just so he could join the art colony. So many of those boys do that sort of thing.... I think that we might find another school for you, dear, or a tutor. It would mean only one more year, and you’ll like college.” “No, I won’t. I don’t want to go. Please.”