"Oh, yes, he has thanked me," Dick replied, cheerily. "And we've been chatting about—-some other matters. And now, Mr. Ripley, if you will excuse me, I feel that I must run along."
I have other things that I really must attend to."
"Won't you be more sensible, and let me make you a duplicate to the check you tore up?" asked the lawyer.
"Thank you, sir; but I don't want to; couldn't, in fact. My father and mother would be ashamed of me if I took home a check for such a service. Good afternoon, Mr. Ripley. So long, Fred."
Dick went out of the lawyer's offices almost breezily. Fred even found the nerve to respond to Dick's parting salutation with something very close to an air of cordiality.
The instant he reached the street Dick took in several deep breaths.
"Whew! It seems mighty good to be in the fresh air once more, after being in the same room with Fred Ripley," muttered the freshman.
"Hello, Dickens, kid," called a voice from behind, and an arm rested on his shoulder.
"Hello, Ben," replied Prescott, looking around.
"I just wanted to say that the senior ball comes off Saturday night of this week. You're going to get one of the few freshman tickets. The ticket allows you to invite one of the girls. Now, remember, freshie, we depend upon you to be there."