“Yes, the same old jackass,” said somebody on the outskirts of the crowd.
Ready straightened up stiffly and glared around.
“Who made yonder insolent remark?” he fiercely demanded. “Bring him away from me, else I may be tempted to do him a severe kindness! It is more than mortal flesh can bear!”
“Somebody is onto you, Jack,” smiled Frank.
“Isn’t it sad?” sighed the queer fellow, pretending to wipe away a tear. “Just when I attempt to assume a little dignity some blame chump has to spoil everything. ’Tis envy, kind sir. They envy me my radiant beauty and my graceful demeanor. Base churls! Common clods! I scorn them all!”
He flung out one hand with a gesture of lofty pride and scorn, his chin high in the air and his eyes closed for a moment.
“That will do,” said Browning. “You’re nothing but the low comedian. Get off the center of the stage.”
“Refuse me!” murmured Jack, as the big fellow pushed him aside.
And now Starbright appeared. At first he was inclined to hold back, being only a freshman, but Frank caught sight of him and stepped toward him.
Dick’s face was flushed with pride and pleasure when, before them all, the great senior, the greatest man in his eyes that had ever attended Yale, grasped his hand and shook it warmly, saying: