Stefanie felt, it being already her sophomore year of college, that she must soon devise an interim profession for herself. As her mother had once said, there was no point in kidding yourself: men always made the best money. In Stefanie’s own estimation, it was important to think of one’s gender. For this reason she had begun to reflect more seriously upon the employment opportunities offered by auction houses, particularly with reference to the slightly masculine, she felt, sector of decorative arts, earlier American antiques. She intuited this would provide the correct frame for her own mostly wholesome excellence, her patriotism. She was ready to go entrepreneurial, if need be.

Stefanie’s best friend at school was Kathy Hu, who was about to become president of the college Democrats, which for Stefanie right now was perfect.

Both she and Kathy were interested in a devout wonk named Rory. Rory’s issue was global debt. More than once Rory had been coaxed into a three-way over fro’yo and seasonal berries in a secluded corner of the cafeteria. Kathy preached management. Stefanie prided herself on her command of historical fact.

At any rate, Stefanie was very much caught up in work. And, actually, although she was in the city for a good stretch, she’d felt more than a little sluggish about contacting her old group. She’d worked through a new introduction to finance and done some very successful sartorial negotiation with her mother, who had been happy to be convinced of the sagacity of replacing every item of clothing Stefanie had arrived home for the holidays with with a more current and upmarket version. It was obvious, then, to both of them, what time in Stefanie’s life it was getting to be. Stefanie felt cheerful. She would be restored to her field, fully armed.

Four days before Stefanie was scheduled to make her return to school, Glenn knocked on the door of the generous guest bedroom.

Stefanie switched off CNN but didn’t have time to get off the king.

“Hey, you,” Glenn said, as his face appeared.

“Hi,” said Stefanie.

“Your mother and I were just about to take off, but I want you to know I got something for ya.”

Stefanie smiled. She slid to her feet.

Glenn opened the door wider. “From a client. Here ya go.” He was holding out a white envelope.

“Oh,” said Stefanie.

“Didn’t know what the hell to do with this, but I’m like, I know she likes history, right?” Glenn smiled, flicking the envelope at Stefanie.

You had to hand it to Glenn.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it,” Glenn said. He was already at the other end of the hallway.

“Bye, baby doll,” she heard her mother trill.