Page:The plastic age, (IA plasticage00mark).pdf/134

118 “Will you come up-stairs with me, Carver? I want to have a talk with you,” he said simply.

Hugh hesitated. He did n’t mind being talked to} but he was heartily sick of being talked at.

Graham noticed his hesitation and smiled. “Don’t worry; I’m not going to shanghai you, and I’m not going to jaw you to death, either.”

Hugh smiled in response. “I ’m glad of that,” he said wearily. “I’ve been jawed until I don’t know anything.”

“I don’t doubt it. Come on; let’s get away from this racket.” He took Hugh by the arm and led him up-stairs to his own room, which was pleas¬ antly quiet and restful after the noise they had left.

When they were both seated in comfortable chairs, Graham began to talk. “I know that you are being tremendously rushed, Carver, and I know that you are going to get a lot of bids, too. I’ve been watching you all through this week, and you seem dazed and confused to me, more confused even than the average freshman. I think I know the reason.”

“What is it?” Hugh demanded eagerly.

“I understand that your father is a Nu Delt.” Hugh nodded.

“And you ’re afraid that they are n’t going to bid you.”

Hugh was startled. “How did you know?” He never thought of denying the statement.