Summary

Paul is called before the faculty at Pittsburgh High School to explain his behavior. He was suspended the week before, and his father has told the principal his son perplexes him. Paul enters the room wearing clothing that is a little too small and a bit worn, yet he still manages to look like a dandy. The faculty disapprovingly notes that he is wearing a red carnation in his buttonhole, which does not seem properly contrite, given the situation. Paul is tall and very thin, with abnormally large pupils. It would almost appear that he is addicted to drugs, if it were not for a sparkle in his eyes that drugs cannot create.

Paul lies and says that he wants to return to school. Lying is nothing new for him. He uses false statements often during uncomfortable moments. The teachers list...