Those who knew and liked Dunstable were both pained and disgusted at
his behaviour during the ensuing three days. He suddenly exhibited a
weird fondness for some of Wrykyn's least deserving inmates. He walked
over to school with Merrett, of Seymour's, and Ruthven, of
Donaldson's, both notorious outsiders. When Linton wanted him to come
and play fives after school, he declined on the ground that he was
teaing with Chadwick, of Appleby's. Now in the matter of absolute
outsiderishness Chadwick, of Appleby's, was to Merrett, of Seymour's,
as captain is to subaltern. Linton was horrified, and said so.

"What do you want to do it for?" he asked. "What's the point of it?
You can't like those chaps."

"Awfully good sorts when you get to know them," said Dunstable.

"You've been some time finding it out."

"I know. Chadwick's an acquired taste. By the way, I'm giving a tea on
Thursday. Will you come?"

"Who's going to be there?" inquired Linton warily.

"Well, Chadwick for one; and Merrett and Ruthven and three other
chaps."

"Then," said Linton with some warmth, "I think you'll have to do
without me. I believe you're mad."

And he went off in disgust to the fives-courts.