Chapter 16

           Jemheardme.Hethrusthisheadaroundtheconnectingdoor.AshecametomybedAtticus’slightflashedon.Westayedwherewewereuntilitwentoff;weheardhimturnover,andwewaiteduntilhewasstillagain.

           Jemtookmetohisroomandputmeinbedbesidehim."Trytogotosleep,"hesaid,"It’llbealloveraftertomorrow,maybe."

           Wehadcomeinquietly,soasnottowakeAunty.Atticuskilledtheengineinthedrivewayandcoastedtothecarhouse;wewentinthebackdoorandtoourroomswithoutaword.Iwasverytired,andwasdriftingintosleepwhenthememoryofAtticuscalmlyfoldinghisnewspaperandpushingbackhishatbecameAtticusstandinginthemiddleofanemptywaitingstreet,pushinguphisglasses.Thefullmeaningofthenight’seventshitmeandIbegancrying.Jemwasawfullyniceaboutit:foroncehedidn’tremindmethatpeoplenearlynineyearsolddidn’tdothingslikethat.

           Everybody’sappetitewasdelicatethismorning,exceptJem’s:heatehiswaythroughthreeeggs.Atticuswatchedinfrankadmiration;AuntAlexandrasippedcoffeeandradiatedwavesofdisapproval.Childrenwhoslippedoutatnightwereadisgracetothefamily.Atticussaidhewasrightgladhisdisgraceshadcomealong,butAuntysaid,"Nonsense,Mr.Underwoodwasthereallthetime."

           "Youknow,it’safunnythingaboutBraxton,"saidAtticus."HedespisesNegroes,won’thaveonenearhim."

           LocalopinionheldMr.