He was well grounded in arithmetic, knew
some geography, and now with a view of qualifying for the study
of medicine, he was preparing, with the aid of a private teacher,
for the Regents' examination in algebra, geometry, English
composition, American and English history. I thought he did not
study "deeply" enough, that he took more real interest in his
collars and neckties, the shine of his shoes, or the hang of his
trousers than he did in his algebra or history
By his cleanliness and tidiness he reminded me of Naphtali, which,
indeed, had something to do with my attachment for him. My
relations toward him echoed with the feelings I used to have for
the reticent, omniscient boy of Abner's Court, and with the hoarse,
studious young Talmudist with whom I would "famish in
company." He had neither Naphtali's brains nor his individuality,
yet I looked up to him and was somewhat under his influence.
I adopted many of the English phrases he was in the habit of using
and tried to imitate his way of dressing. As a consequence, he
would sometimes assume a patronizing tone with me, addressing
me with a good-natured sneer which I liked in spite of myself
We made a compact to speak nothing but English, and, to a
considerable extent, we kept it
CHAPTER V A FEW weeks of employment were succeeded by
another period of enforced idleness.
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