The Naming of the Crew
- While everyone's busy making preparations for the kids to get into the Institute, the kids have a lot of time to themselves. And since Constance spends a lot of that time sleeping, Reynie, Kate, and Sticky spend a lot of time talking about her.
- They're not convinced that having Constance along will make their mission easier. She's cranky, she's clumsy, she's always dropping things, and she's rude. What is Mr. Benedict thinking?
- Sticky and Kate elect Reynie to go ask him.
- Sigh. Reynie makes his way to Mr. Benedict's study, where Mr. B welcomes him warmly and says, "I assume you've come about Constance" (9.15). Uncanny.
- Reynie admits that he has, and then shares the concerns that he, Kate, and Sticky have.
- Mr. Benedict listens and then reassures Reynie that he believes Constance is an essential member of the team, saying, "I believe she may be the very key to our success" (9.19).
- He tells Reynie to go share his assessment with Kate and Sticky and give them a chance to quit if they want to. Reynie does and then hurries back to Mr. Benedict's study where he overhears Mr. Benedict and Number Two talking about him—they call him a hero and an extraordinary child, which surprises Reynie.
- As Number Two leaves, she ushers Reynie in. He tells Mr. Benedict that everyone still plans to continue, and then he thanks Mr. Benedict without saying exactly what he's thanking him for.
- Early the next morning, the four children gather in the boys' bedroom, determined to come up with a name for themselves.
- After a couple of really bad suggestions from the others, Constance declares their name to the The Mysterious Benedict Society and walks out of the room. No one argues.