The look of the boy vanished from the other's eyes. "I--see," he commented slowly. "People are horrid that way, even people otherwise nice," amplified the girl. "As soon as any one they know has an--affair it immediately becomes public property. It's almost as bad as a murder case. The whole thing is tried and settled out of court." The figure of the man settled down in his chair to the small of his back. His fingers locked over one knee. "I suppose it was something of that kind Darley had in mind," he said. "Darley Roberts? When?" "We were talking about--similar cases a few days ago." "You were?" There was just a shade of pique in the tone. "He must be a regular fount of wisdom. You're always quoting him." "He is," tranquilly. "By the way, with your permission, he's going to call with me to-morrow night." "With my permission!" The girl laughed. "You've solicited, and received, that several times before--and without result. I'm almost beginning to doubt the gentleman's existence." "You won't much longer. I invited him and he accepted. He always does what he says he'll do." "Very well," the voice was non-committal. "I'm always glad to meet any of your friends." Armstrong warmed, as he always did when speaking of Darley Roberts. "You will be when you know him, I'm sure. That's why I asked him to come. He's an odd chap and slow to thaw, but there isn't another lawyer in town, not even in the department, who's got his brains." "They couldn't have, very well, could they?" evenly. "I'll admit that was a trifle involved; but you know what I mean. He's what in an undergraduate they call a grind. The kind biographers describe as 'hewing forever to the line.' If we live and retain reasonably good health we'll hear of him some day." "And I repeat," smilingly, "I've heard of him a great deal already." Armstrong said nothing, which indicated mild irritation. "Excuse me, Steve," said the girl, contritely. "I didn't mean to be sarcastic; that just slipped out. He has acted sort of queer, though, considering he's your room-mate and--I had that in mind. I am interested, however, really. Tell me about him." Armstrong glanced at his companion; his gaze returned to his patent leather pumps, which he inspected with absent-minded concentration. "I have told you before, I guess, about all I know. He's a good deal of an enigma to me, even yet." "By the way, how did you happen to get acquainted with him, Steve?" From the manner spoken the question might or might not have been from genuine interest. "You've never told me that." "Oh, it just happened, I guess. We were in the collegiate department together at first." He laughed shortly. "No, it didn't just happen either after all. I went more than half way--I recognize that now." The girl said nothing.