Living the Pledge

If alcoholics in their cups are unlovely creatures," Mary said, "this, then, must be a picture of what lovely creatures are." Her expansive gesture included the crowds of people flowing up and down on escalators, sipping coffee, eating ice-cream, hugging, laughing, and peering intently at Convention Center maps. Her flushed face broke out into an even wider smile. "Welcome to the International Convention!" And, as quick to go as a fresh pot of coffee in a room full of sober drunks, she was off, shaking all the hands she could reach.