Just how big a change in his college career his renunciation would make, Stover had not understood until in the weeks that succeeded he came to feel the full effects of the resentment he had aroused in the society crowds, now at bay before a determined opposition. The second morning, as he went down High Street to his eating-joint, Hungerford was loafing ahead of him, ostensibly conning a lesson. Stover joined him, unaware of the friendly intent of the action. They went inside, laughing together, to where a score of men were rubbing their eyes over hasty breakfasts. Four-fifths of them belonged to sophomore societies. "Morning, everybody," said the new arrivals, in unison, and the answer came back: "Hello, Joe." "Hello, Dink." "Shove in here." At their arrival a little constrained silence was felt, for the news had somehow passed into rumor. Opposite Stover, Jim Hunter was sitting. He nodded to Hungerford, and then with deliberation continued a conversation with Tommy Bain, who sat next to him. Stover perceived the cut instantly, as others had perceived it. He sat a moment quietly, his glance concentrated on Hunter. "Oatmeal or hominy?" said the waiter at his back. "One moment." He raised his hand, and the gesture concentrated the attention of the table on him. "Why, how do _you_ do, Jim Hunter?" he said, with every word cut sharp. There was a breathless moment, and a nervous stirring under foot, as Hunter turned and looked at Stover. Their glances matched one another a long moment, and then Hunter, with an excess of politeness, said: "Oh, hello--Stover." Instantly there was a relieved hum of voices, and a clatter of cutlery. "I'll take oatmeal now," said Stover calmly. Story, glancing over, saw two spots of scarlet standing out on his cheeks, and realized how near the moment had come to a violent scene. "Dink, old gazabo," said Hungerford, as they walked over to chapel, "what are you going to do? You can't go about the whole time with a chip on your shoulder." "Oh, yes, I can," said Dink between his teeth. "I'll stick right where I am. And I'd like to see Jim Hunter or any one else try that again on me!" Hungerford shook his head. "You know, Dink, you must see both sides. Now from Hunter's side, you've smashed all traditions, and given us a blow that may be a knockout, considering the state of feeling in the college. Hunter's a society man, believes in them heart and soul." "Then let him come to me and say what he thinks." "Are you quite sure, Dink," said Joe, with a glance, "that there isn't some other reason for the way you two feel about each other?" "You mean jealousy?" said Dink, flushing a little. "Bob's sister? Yes, there's that. But from the first we've been on opposite sides." He hesitated a moment, and then asked: "I say, Joe, what does Bob think about what I've done? Tell me straight."