“Not by a long shot,” he declared. “The insult was to me. He’s got nothing against you, couldn’t have. If any one else had proposed you he wouldn’t have cared. If I’d realized I’d have had Thirsty or Whaley do it. I’m not through yet, though. I’ll get you in next term, you can bet!”
“I’m not sure that I’d want you to,” said Neil doubtfully. “Isn’t there something a little—well, a little degrading about coming back like that after you’ve been shown once that you aren’t wanted?”
“Not a bit! Look here, Neil, every fellow there wanted you in, and they were all as surprised and—and mad as I was! You bet I’ll try again! And I’ll make it go, too! When I get through with Le Gette he won’t know a black ball from a white!”
“I’d lots rather you just let the whole thing drop,” said Neil earnestly. “Taking revenge on Le Gette isn’t worth while. Besides, being blackballed isn’t—well, it isn’t altogether pleasant, and I’d a heap rather not have it talked about, and all that, you know.”
“I’m not going to talk about it,” answered Stuart grimly. Then, after a moment, getting Neil’s point of view, he added: “It’s nonsense to feel that way about it, though, old chap. Lots of fellows are turned down for Lyceum or Manning without any one thinking anything about it. And, gee, some fellows get three and four black balls against them! Every one there to-night knows that it was just spite-work. You don’t need to let it worry you one mite.”
“Thanks, but I’d rather you didn’t go after Le Gette, Stuart, if you don’t mind very much. In the first place, you have no real proof——”
“Proof enough,” growled the other.
“And in the second place, it’ll just make talk. Let’s forget it.”
“Not on your life! There won’t be any talk, Neil, but Le Gette will know that I’ve settled with him!”
Neil said no more. He believed that by morning Stuart would have calmed down somewhat. And it wasn’t wise to oppose Stuart beyond a certain point, anyway. He just got more set in his notions. Stuart returned to the subject several times before sleep settled down over Number 12.