"It was punishing. It was like being yanked out of the box in the middle of an inning, with the game all coming your way."
She knew enough of baseball slang to catch his meaning and she smiled as she asked, "Why don't you go back?"
"Simply because I couldn't stand the chinning I'd get from my classmates."
"Can't you go on with your studies here and pass your examination?"
"I might do that if I could get a job that would pay me my board and leave me a little time to study."
She looked up at him with smiling archness. "Why not drive an automobile? You could carry your books around under the seat and study while waiting outside the shops or the theaters."
"Good idea!" he exclaimed, responding to her humor. "I'm pretty handy with the machine. One of my friends up at Winona had one. I hope you own a car." He said this with intent to indicate his growing desire to be near her.
Mrs. Joyce came over at this moment to inquire what they were so jolly about.
Leo answered: "I was just suggesting that Mr. Ollnee become a chauffeur. He could go on with his studies—"
"Capital!" exclaimed Mr. Joyce. "The man I have is liable to drink and very crusty in the bargain. You may have his place."