Al Capone Does My Shirts

Tuesday, May 28, 1935

The next day, when Moose returns home from school his mother is radiant. During her interview, “Natalie was wonderful. She spoke clearly in the new Natalie way. She tried her best to look at Mr. Purdy when she spoke. She even told a joke” (195).

Moose’s mother wants to talk to Moose alone, so Theresa looks after Natalie. Helen apologizes for the previous evening. She was angry at Moose because she thought he didn’t care about how his words affected anyone else. Now, however, she has come to realize how much he cares about Natalie: “You were doing what you thought would help your sister” (197).

During dinner they receive a phone call from the Esther P. Marinoff School. Cam returns visibly upset. Natalie has been rejected for the same reason as before.

Tuesday, May 28—Wednesday, May 29, 1935

Natalie’s second rejection from the school takes an immediate toll on the Flanagan family. Moose calls Mrs. Kelly to tell her what has happened, to thank her for her work with Natalie, and to ask if there is anything they can do to change Mr. Purdy’s mind. Mrs. Kelly was sure that Natalie would be accepted into the school.