All in all, Ned thinks it was the best possible outcome for him, too. He's glad providing his perspective seems to be some small reassurance for Ginsberg. Ned thinks that one of the unexpected consequences of last night, particularly since it was Ginsberg's first time, is that he's feeling uncommonly protective, now. Wants to keep doing what he'd done before, guiding him through and making things as easy as possible.

When Ginsberg asks his rather abrupt question, Ned laughs, clearly surprised. Ginsberg doesn't say it in a way that sounds like he's passing any judgments, so he doesn't hesitate to answer, though it takes him a moment to think back and calculate how old he would have been at the time.

"Sixteen, just barely." It had been over the Christmas holidays, he remembers, after most rest of the boys disappeared to go back to their respective homes. He adds, in a meaningful sort of way, "Boarding school," as if this is explanation enough.