pro re nata - 12/15/03 07:48 PM
"Being now well read as well as travelled, we was soon pro re nata with the best society in Rosa, and was invited out to the most dressed-up and high-toned entertainments. It was at a piano recital and quail-eating contest in the city hall, for the benefit of the fire company, that me and Idaho first met Mrs. De Ormond Sampson, the queen of Rosa society."
William H. Porter, aka O.Henry, was convicted of embezzlement (though his guilt has been questioned) and while in the penitentiary worked in the pharmacy, where he learned some of the jargon. On a prescription, PRN means "as needed". But in the above context, I think he meant that he and his buddy were in demand. Alternate interpretations solicited.
I have read two of his short stories in which the protagonist has the bad judgement to dip into the till with
intention to replace that which was illegally borrowed. I wonder if that was the mistake Porter made.
William H. Porter, aka O.Henry, was convicted of embezzlement (though his guilt has been questioned) and while in the penitentiary worked in the pharmacy, where he learned some of the jargon. On a prescription, PRN means "as needed". But in the above context, I think he meant that he and his buddy were in demand. Alternate interpretations solicited.
I have read two of his short stories in which the protagonist has the bad judgement to dip into the till with
intention to replace that which was illegally borrowed. I wonder if that was the mistake Porter made.