"It's nothing. Don't be a fool," said George.

"Where did you get that rose?" I asked.

"This rose?" he repeated, fondling the blossom. "It was given to
me."

Upon this I groaned--and I still consider that I had good reason
for my action. It was the groan of a moralist.

"They've asked me to stay at The Towers next vac.," said George,
glancing at me out of the corner of an immoral eye. Perhaps he
thought it too immoral, for he added, "It's all right, Sam." I
believe that I have as much self control as most people, but at
this point I chuckled.

"What the deuce are you laughing at?" asked George.

I made no answer, and he went on--

"You never told me what a--what she was like, Sam. Wanted to
keep it to yourself, you old dog."

"George--George--George!" said I. "You go up tomorrow?"

"Yes, confound it!"

"And term lasts two months?"

"Yes, hang it!"