Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Reading Check

1. What is Mr. Ryder’s passion?

2. What does Mr. Ryder hope will be an outcome of his marriage with Mrs. Dixon?

3. How long has Liza been searching for her husband?

4. What does Mr. Ryder look at for a long time after Liza leaves?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is the “Blue Vein Society” and where does its name derive from? How does one join the society?

2. Who is Mrs. Dixon? How does she impact Mr. Ryder’s life?

3. Who is Liza, and what happened to her husband? What possible solutions does Mr. Ryder offer for why she has not found him?

4. Which story does Mr. Ryder share with his guests at the ball? What does he reveal as the story ends?

Paired Resource

“The Rise and Fall of New York City's Private Social Clubs”

• This 2015 article from Curbed New York traces the history of social clubs in New York City.
• The Blue Vein Society is an example of a social club that focuses on the importance of Colorism.