"I don't see what difference it makes," replied Gerald Hutton disconsolately. "I don't get taken in, do I?"
"No, but when a fellow's name is 'postponed' he can try again any time. If he's blackballed, he's a goner until next year."
"Oh, well, I don't want to join the old Lyceum, anyhow," said his roommate with a scowl.
"Yes, you do," responded Ned, "and I want you to. And I'm going to bring your name up again just as soon as I think there's a chance of getting you elected."
"When will that be?" asked Jerry dubiously. Ned hesitated.
"I don't just know, Jerry," he answered finally. "You see, it's like this; the Lyceum is the only society we have here at Winthrop, and it's small, only thirty members, you know, while there are over seventy fellows in school this year. So of course there are lots of chaps who want to get in. And when it comes to selecting members the society naturally tries to get the best."
"Which means I'm not one of the best," said Jerry with a grin.
"No, it doesn't," replied his roommate. "It just means that you aren't very well known yet; you haven't proved yourself."
"Shucks! I've been here ever since school opened in September, and I know almost every fellow here to speak to."
"Well, but that isn't quite what I mean," replied Ned. "You—you haven't proved yourself."