SAT Reading Test 2
This passage is from “Echoes of Elegance” by Clara Bennett. The setting is London in the early 1900s. Jonathan Carrington, the protagonist, is a young barrister engaged to Evelyn Fairchild.
Jonathan Carrington sat in the drawing-room of his club and looked pensively out at Piccadilly. Above him, a series of crystal chandeliers cast a soft light on the elegant interior, while outside, the street was alive with the clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages and the chatter of pedestrians. It was an evening for reflection and new possibilities.
Carrington leaned back and lit a cigar. “Shall I send a note with a footman, or should I walk to her townhouse, now?”
The London social code was rigid and unyielding, and young men of his class were expected to court at the appropriate venues. At the Royal Academy, in Hyde Park, or at private soirées and luncheons. The Fairchilds’ house would be closed for the night; Carrington was certain of that. But beyond Piccadilly lay a world where such constraints held no power, where the magic of twilight and moonlight reigned supreme.
After a moment, he checked his pocket watch. A walk would only take fifteen minutes, and if he left immediately, he could reach Berkeley Square by nine. He stubbed out his cigar and stood up with determination. “It might be too late,” he thought. But her aunt, who never entertained guests after seven o’clock, must be kept up waiting for the willful young woman. The thought of her graceful, enigmatic figure quickened his pulse. He retrieved his coat and hat from the butler in the hall and stepped out into the crisp night air.
As he reached the pavement, he saw a hansom cab waiting at the curb. He was irritated that the driver had anticipated his decision. “To Berkeley Square,” he said. As he spoke, he noticed a young woman in a white gown descending from the cab, and with a start, he realized it was Lillian Worthington.
“Why—good evening,” he said. She stopped abruptly, looking slightly flustered. “Oh—Mr. Carrington!” “I was just about to send you a note,” he said, following the expected decorum of his circle. “How kind of you. But I was on my way to see you.”
The coincidence made them both smile. “I’m afraid the horses are weary—they’ve had a long day. May I escort you somewhere?” She looked at him with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “Is the club no longer in vogue?” she asked.
Carrington responded with sincerity: “No; I doubt its charm. But seeing you changes everything.” They walked back into the club together and found a quiet corner to talk.
Questions:
- Which of the following best describes Jonathan Carrington’s internal conflict in the passage?
- A) Deciding whether to meet Evelyn Fairchild or to stay at the club.
- B) Choosing between sending a note or personally visiting Lillian Worthington.
- C) Wondering if the hansom cab would take him to Berkeley Square.
- D) Contemplating whether to stay at the club or go home early.
- What can be inferred about the customs of Jonathan Carrington’s social circle?
- A) They value spontaneity and informal social gatherings.
- B) They have strict rules about appropriate times and places for courting.
- C) They encourage late-night visits to friends and family.
- D) They prefer outdoor meetings over indoor gatherings.
- In the context of the passage, what does Carrington’s interaction with Lillian Worthington suggest about their relationship?
- A) They are distant acquaintances who rarely see each other.
- B) They have a formal, business-like relationship.
- C) They share a playful and slightly flirtatious rapport.
- D) They are close friends who frequently spend time together.
- What is the significance of the setting in this passage?
- A) It highlights the hustle and bustle of London’s nightlife.
- B) It contrasts the traditional customs with the city’s modern aspects.
- C) It emphasizes the quiet and serene nature of the club.
- D) It showcases the architectural beauty of London.
- How does the author characterize Lillian Worthington?
- A) As a rebellious young woman who defies social norms.
- B) As a shy and introverted individual.
- C) As a person with a keen sense of humor and playfulness.
- D) As an old-fashioned person who strictly adheres to customs.
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