My 14-year-old son, John, and I spotted the coat at the same time at a second-hand clothing store. It had a black velvet (丝绒) collar, delightful tailoring, a Fifth Avenue label and a(an) 1 price of merely $28. We looked at each other, saying nothing, but John's eyes 2. Dark, woolen topcoats were popular just then with teenagers, but could cost several hundred dollars now. John put the coat on and 3 it. He turned from side to side, 4 himself in the mirror with a serious, studied 5 that soon changed into a smile. It's a perfect 6.
John wore the coat to school the next day and came home wearing a big smile. "How did the kids like your coat?" I asked. "They love it. " He said, carefully 7 it on the chair and smoothing it flat. Over the next few weeks, the 8came over John. Quiet, reasoned discussion 9 argument. He became more thoughtful and eager to 10. "Good dinner, Mum, " he would say every evening. One day when I 11 that he start on homework before dinner, John said, "You are right, and I guess I will. "
When I asked one of his teachers 12 caused the changes, she said with laughter, "It must be his coat!"
John and I both know we should never 13 a person's clothes for the real person within them. But it is meaningful to 14 a standard of excellence for the world to see, to practice a standard of excellence in thought, speech and behavior, and to 15 what is on the inside with what is on the outside.
