Page:Fidelia, (IA fidelia00balm).pdf/44

 the mind." Some one else mildy kidded a sophomore about his evident shift of interest from a classmate to a blond girl from down state who was decidedly the stir of the freshman class. The chatter varied extraordinarily but never once suggested disrespect of any girl. These boys and men were so familiar with many girls that they mentioned them easily and freely and loyally, always. Loyalty to the girls was second only to loyalty to one another and not always second. Everybody at the table knew that Dave was engaged to Alice Sothron and Lan to Myra Taine; everybody knew both girls and liked them and nobody now "joshed" either of the brothers about their engagements. Delta Alpha accepted the fact of them as a basis for a sort of alliance with Tau Gamma; for when a fraternity is "rushing" a man for membership, a sorority often may lend invaluable influence; and so, of course, may a fraternity come to the assistance of a sorority. It was understood throughout the college that Tau Gamma and Delta Alpha worked together; and so, when Delta Alpha mentioned the new girl, whom three of the brothers had seen, they argued whether Tau Gamma would be able to "pledge" her; nobody doubted her entire desirability.

"Dave, you tell Alice," enjoined Bill Fraser (everybody knew that, as Alice was having supper at Willard, Dave was taking her home) "to have Tau Gamma get awful busy and be sure to call on us for help whether they need it or not."

"They sure can count on you, Bill!" said the boy who had asked the source of the big thrill.

"Freshman," said Bill, "we have a few girls at this