"Yes, ma'am, very well these days." (What was the use?)
"I join you, Mr. Carey, in praising, for that mercy, the Dispenser of All Things." Madam Jenks went on to pronounce the weather changeable; Ben agreed; Faith expressed intelligent neutrality. Small silence spread like a blot of ink.... "I understand you intend going to the college this year, Mr. Carey?"
"Yes, ma'am, my brother and I."
"Preparing for the ministry, I presume?"
"Neither of us would appear to have the call, Madam Jenks."
"Indeed.... Do you enjoy the Boston air?"
"I don't think I've ever heard it, ma'am."
"Your pardon, sir?"
"Nay, I—beg your pardon—I must have misunderstood."
"My inquiry was in reference to the Boston air. Do you enjoy it?"