Stover was surprised at the maturity of judgment in the young fellow, as well as his simplicity of expression. He would have liked to talk to him further on deeper subjects, but, as always, the first steps were difficult and as yet he accepted things without a clear understanding of reasons. He went up with Story for a little chat. There was about the room a tone of quiet good taste and thoughtfulness quite different from the boyish exuberance of other rooms. The pictures were Braunotypes of paintings he did not know, while bits of plaster casts mellowed with wax enlivened the serried contents of the book-shelves. "You've got a lot of books," said Stover, feeling his way. "Yes. Drop in and borrow them any time you want." While Story flung a couple of cushions on the state arm-chair and brought out the tobacco, Dink examined the shelves respectfully, surprised and impressed by the quality of the titles, French, German, and Russian. "Why do you room alone, Bob?" he said, with some curiosity, knowing Story's popularity. "I wanted to." Story was opposite, his face blocked out in sudden shadows from the standing lamp, that accentuated a certain wistful, pensive quality it had. "I enjoy being by myself. It gives me time to think and look around me." "Are you going out for anything?" said Stover, wondering a little at the impression Story had made already, through nothing but the charm and sincerity of his character. "Yes, I'm going out for the _News_ next month, and besides I'm heeling the _Lit_." "Oh, you are?" said Stover, surprised. "But it comes hard," said Story, with a grimace. "I have to work like sin over every line. It's all hammered out. Brockhurst is the fellow who can do the stuff." "Do you know him at all?" "He won't let any one know him. I've tried. I don't think he quite knows yet how to meet fellows. I'm sorry. He really interests me." "That's a good photo of your sister," said Stover, who had held the question in leash ever since his entrance. "So, so." "How much longer has she at Farmington?" "Last year." "Going abroad afterwards?" said Stover carelessly. "No, indeed. Stay right here." "I like her," said Stover. "It's quite a privilege to know her." Story looked up and a pleased smile came to him. "Yes, it is," he said. "Bob, what do you think about McCarthy's chances?" Story considered a moment. "Only fair," he said. "Why, what's wrong with him?" "He hasn't any one ahead pulling for him," said Story, "and most of the other fellows have. That's one fault we have." "It would knock him out to miss." "It is tough."