Note: First published in the New Yorker, 28 July 1956.

Synopsis: "The author as a boy goes to visit his friend, Jimmy Leary, whom he admires mainly for his general air of self-confidence and sophistication. Jimmy suggests that they spy on a young couple whose bedroom is just opposite the Leary's attic. They watch and see the couple praying before going to bed. Then the light is turned out and with it the boys' view of the bedroom. As they return to their own beds, the author feels guilty and ashamed to have spied on the couple at prayer. Jimmy's attitude towards what they saw is indifference and the author realizes that he should never try to reach the height of sophistication of his friend." (The New Yorker)