Page:Conflict (1927).pdf/127

 And half-leaning, half-sitting on the low window-sill, she looked up at him with a smile she tried to make frank and open and friendly.

Felix turned away.

'I shan't be taking anything any more. I've flunked.'

'Oh, have you?' Immediately her manner changed. There was no lightness in her tone now. 'In your midyears? Oh, I'm awfully sorry.'

'Oh, I'm no good, I guess.'

'Of course you are! Of course you're some good!'

It was the way she had always talked to him. The creases of the old cloak fell about her as naturally as if it had not been folded and put away.

'No. I'm no good. I ought to have known I couldn't have gotten through college.'

'But you got in! You got through your freshman year! That's a lot. That's splendid.'

'Yes, but I wanted to graduate. I thought you wouldn't look at me unless It was for you. But it's all over now. I've got to go home next week. I didn't cram hard enough. I have to study about four times as much as any other boy. But, perhaps, after all, it's just as well, if all that's happened between us doesn't mean anything to you. I don't care what I amount to if you don't care.'

'Oh, don't say that. Please.' Suddenly she felt the burden of him on her again. 'I do care, Felix.