"This is true," said Le Baron, "that the men in your own crowd don't understand your cutting loose from them, and that no one can make out why you've taken up with the crowd you have."
The explanation which might have cleared matters was forgotten by Stover in the wound to his vanity.
"You haven't answered my question."
"Well, Dink, to be honest," said Le Baron, "if you keep on deliberately, there is more than a chance of—"
"Of queering myself?"
"Yes."
"Being regarded as a sort of wild man, and missing out on a senior election."
"That's what we want to prevent," said Le Baron, believing he saw a reasonable excuse. "You've got everything in your hands, Stover, don't waste your time—"
"One moment."
Stover, putting out his hand, interrupted him. He locked his hands behind his back, twisting them in physical pain, staring out the window, unable to meet the suddenness of the situation.