"I know him."
"He seems to have influence—and not much else. But Mr. Blaisdell is trying to see that you get fair play."
"Is it necessary for Mr. Blaisdell to use his influence very actively in my favor?"
"I'm afraid it is."
"I'm sorry. I knew, of course, that you and he would do all you could—if it was needed. But I thought perhaps my plans would justify the committee—"
"They do. And they justify any work that has been done for you. There is no obligation that need weigh heavily on you."
"It isn't that. I appreciate my—my friends' willingness to help. But
I'd hoped to be able to win solely on my merits in this thing."
"Do you wish us—Mr. Blaisdell to refrain?"
"No. I need to get back into my profession. It means so much to me—in a new way—that I'll be glad to have it on any terms. That doesn't mean that I'm not grateful for the kindness I've had here.— But I'm interrupting." And David went back to his drawing.
All that day he avoided Esther, sticking close to his table. Not until she was leaving at the end of the afternoon did he seek her.