Hearts and Hands

1. What does the word “forestall” mean as used in paragraph 6?

• A. to distract

• B. to watch

• C. to joke

• D. to interrupt

2. Which of the following quotes from paragraph 6 best supports the answer to question 1?

• A. “with a little laugh”

• B. “as if amused”

• C. “about to speak again”

• D. “with veiled glances”

3. What can the reader infer about Easton’s character based on the interaction between him and Miss Fairchild?

• A. He is a charming young man who values the importance of money, which was likely the thing that got him into trouble.

• B. He is a timid, awkward man who, if he were not interrupted, would have told Miss Fairchild the truth and pleaded for help.

• C. He is in love with Miss Fairchild and went out west to make money so he could marry her, but became a marshal when he failed.

• D. He is dishonest and deceptive, as shown by how easily he lies to Miss Fairchild and pulls the unwilling marshal into the lie too.

4. Which of the following quotes from the text best supports the answer to question 3?

• A. “Among the newcomers were two young men, one of handsome presence with a bold, frank countenance and manner” (Paragraph 1)

• B. “Easton, with a little laugh, as if amused, was about to speak again when the other forestalled him.” (Paragraph 6)

• C. “‘My dear Miss Fairchild,’ said Easton, calmly, ‘I had to do something... you know it takes money to keep step with our crowd in Washington.’” (Paragraph 9)

• D. “‘I saw this opening in the West, and — well, a marshalship isn’t quite as high a position as that of ambassador, but — ’” (Paragraph 9)

5. How does the information provided in paragraph 10 help readers understand Miss Fairchild’s perspective on Mr. Easton?

• A. Like the real marshal, she is very observant and seems to have seen through Easton’s lie; she hints at this by comparing him to the “Wild West” stories.

• B. She seems impressed with Easton, partly due to her interest in the West and the new image she has of him as a western hero

• C. Like Easton, Miss Fairchild believes that money is the most important thing, but she pretends otherwise to avoid hurting his feelings.

• D. She seems to have a crush on Easton, though only because he reminds her of many fond memories of their old group in Washington.