"Belle, I'd rather not answer that."
"Why——"
"Well, because, if he is, I'd rather not discuss it."
"Has Dan been caught in any scrape?"
"No. His conduct record is fine."
"Then it must be failure in his studies."
Dave did not answer.
"Why don't you tell me?" insisted Belle.
"If anything were in the wind, Belle, we'd rather not tell you and spoil your visit. And don't ask Dan anything about it."
"I think I know enough," went on Belle thoughtfully and sympathetically. "Poor Dan! He's one of the finest of fellows."