Jimmie, genuinely distressed by this first serious difference in their congenial little circle, went over to Mr. Morris’s room, and took him into his confidence on the subject. Morris was not a little disturbed by the situation. He admired Tony’s purpose, but with Jimmie, thought it somewhat ill-judged and ill-timed, and deplored the possible cleavage it might make in the little knot of friends. But, characteristically, he did not see his way to interfering, even with advice.
Unfortunately Tony and Kit again encountered each other that night in Reggie Carroll’s room. Tony was cool, and Reggie, ignorant of what had happened, made matters worse by asking them facetiously what had ruffled the sweet waters of their friendship.
“Ask Tony,” answered Kit laconically, as he thumbed a school year book and tried to think of some way of getting out of the room.
Tony shrugged his shoulders.
“What’s up?” repeated Reggie.
“Nothing particular,” Deering answered, after a pause. “We just don’t pull together in a certain matter.”
“Well, what do you expect,” exclaimed Kit impulsively, “do you expect me to measure my opinions by yours?”
“Rather not,” answered Tony, with a faint sneer, “you’d find them in that case a darn sight too big for you.”
“Softly, softly,” protested Reggie. But Tony again was gone.