I could thus write a history of my English vocabulary that should be at the same time an account of my comings and goings, my mistakes and my triumphs, during the years of my initiation.
If I was eager and diligent, my teachers did not sleep.

As fast as my knowledge of English allowed, they advanced me from grade to grade, without reference to the usual schedule of promotions.

My father was right, when he often said, in discussing my prospects, that ability would be promptly recognized in the public schools.

Rapid as was my progress, on account of the advantages with which I started, some of the other "green" pupils were not far behind me; within a grade or two, by the end of the year.

My brother, whose childhood had been one hideous nightmare, what with the stupid rebbe, the cruel whip, and the general repression of life in the Pale, surprised my father by the progress he made under intelligent, sympathetic guidance.