Part 2, Chapter 8 Father and Son Summary

Teedie left for Cambridge on September 27, 1876 to attend Harvard University. At seventeen, he was five feet eight inches tall and 125 pounds. His voice was thin and almost comical. In conversations, he spewed words out of his mouth with force, often startling people who were not used to him. Many thought that he had a speech impediment, and it may have been associated with his asthma. His large teeth and thick glasses were his outstanding features. His health and physique were impressive only in comparison to what it had been, when he was younger.

Harvard was Teedie's first venture alone into the world. His preparation for Harvard had been rigorous. Socially, he was ill at ease, either becoming theatrically superior or shy and self-deprecating. Bamie arranged a room for him at Number 16 Winthrop Street. The family...