Henry Blackwell & MartinHiram Blackwell & TimothyLouisa Wilton Blackwell &PearlCora BlackwellHenrys classmates at the Algonquin School:Walter Addison & HarveyJeremy Blankenship & Ray*Joshua Brand & Miles*Louis Briggs & Peter*Freddie Caldwell & Tom*Albert DeWitt & Stuart*Randall Fox & HowardWendell Franklin & Ralph*Maurice Gaines & OllieDaniel Hollingsworth &Allen*Gordon Lovejoy & Julian*David Maxwell & Alex*Adam Pettibone & SamCharles Ross & Simon*Victor Spence & Will*Robert Townsend & Dick*Philip van Houten & Davey**Henrys friendsBlackwell Family Slaves:Nurse: EstherButler: RandolphFootmen: Billy, PaulHousekeeper: DoraCook: BertieScullery Maids: Vida, RubyChambermaids: Peggy, Delia,KatieParlor Maids: Lucy, Ruth, EllenLaundress: MaryLaundry Maid: SallyGardener: PatCoachmen: Jack, Old BobGrooms: Jerry, ArthurStable Boys: Little Bob, DannyErrand Boy: JohnnyHenryBlackwell woke up on New Years Day with the raw throb of aliquor-fueled headache pounding behind his eyes. The bed was empty athis side, the sheets cool. It was chilly in the room despite thefire. The drapes were open, the filtered winter sunlight seemingunnecessarily bright. Squinting against the brilliance, he yawned andpushed himself up to sitting.Martin?The alarm clock was on Martins side of the bed, and Henry reachedfor it to check the time. It was late, long past the regularbreakfast hour.Henry?Martins voice came from his own room. Oh, good, youreawake. He appeared in the doorway, smiling. Rise and shine.HappyNew Year, Henry said. Ugh, my head hurts. Each time he movedit was as if his skull was full of shifting sandbags. He swung hislegs out of bed and Martin hurried to bring him his dressing gown.Martinwas trying not to smile, amused by Henrys discomfort. Well,its not surprising. You did have quite a bit to drink. He heldthe dressing gown ready.Henrystood and slipped his arms into the sleeves, then turned to pullMartin close. You feel fine, though, dont you? Martin hadbeen drinking at Charles Ross party, too, but showed no illeffects. It was unreasonable, but Henry didnt like that Martin wasbetter at holding his liquor.Martinignored this question and kissed his ear. Hurry and get ready. Mr.Tim was talking with Miss Pearl at our breakfast, and I think theremight be a surprise for you downstairs.Asurprise? What is it?Itwont be a surprise if I tell you. Martin freed himself fromHenrys embrace and headed for the bathroom. Ill just startyour shower.Twentyminutes later, clean, shaven and dressed, Henry made his waydownstairs with Martin at his back, feeling very curious about thispossible surprise.Hiscuriosity was satisfied in short order: Reggie Wilton was with Motherin the breakfast room, settled at her left hand in a violet velvetjacket and heavily-figured black-and-white tie, and whatever he wassaying was making her laugh. Henry had not heard her laugh like thisin years, and hed quite forgotten the sound. Reggie turned asHenry entered the room and smiled. He rose to greet Henry, comingaround the table to take Henrys hand in both of his.Oh,Henry! Its so good to see you!Likewise,Uncle Reggie. Henry turned to his mother. Good morning. IsFather here?Goodmorning, darling. I dont know where your father is. Perhaps hesnot at home. She did not seem to care much, however, obviouslypreferring her brothers company to that of her husband. She wasmore alert than usual, and Henry wondered if she might be foregoingher medicine in order to engage more