Final answer:
Robert's reputation is threatened when his visiting card is rejected by a peer, signifying his social exclusion. This event may motivate him to succeed in academics or sports like water polo to regain his social standing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to an incident where the protagonist, Robert, experiences a threat to his reputation upon his arrival at St. Benedict's. This occurs when a student rejects his visiting card, signaling a social exclusion and highlighting his difference from his peers. The prompt hints at how this act of rejection may have led Robert to seek accomplishment and acceptance through other means, such as excelling in academic or physical competitions. One possible interpretation could be that Robert's pursuit of excellence and eventual participation in water polo might have been a response to this incident, seeking to reclaim his status and prove his worth within the school community.