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The Egotist Considers
Hemadealastnight’seffortwiththeproverbialwettowel,andthenblissfullytooktheexam,wonderingunhappilywhyallthecolorandambitionofthespringbeforehadfadedout.Somehow,withthedefectionofIsabelletheideaofundergraduatesuccesshadlooseditsgrasponhisimagination,andhecontemplatedapossiblefailuretopassoffhisconditionwithequanimity,eventhoughitwouldarbitrarilymeanhisremovalfromthePrincetonianboardandtheslaughterofhischancesfortheSeniorCouncil.
Therewasalwayshisluck.
Heyawned,scribbledhishonorpledgeonthecover,andsaunteredfromtheroom.
"Ifyoudon’tpassit,"saidthenewlyarrivedAlecastheysatonthewindow-seatofAmory’sroomandmuseduponaschemeofwalldecoration,"you’retheworld’sworstgoopher.Yourstockwillgodownlikeanelevatorattheclubandonthecampus."
"Oh,hell,Iknowit.Whyrubitin?"
"’Causeyoudeserveit.Anybodythat’driskwhatyouwereinlineforoughttobeineligibleforPrincetonianchairman."
"Oh,dropthesubject,"Amoryprotested."Watchandwaitandshutup.Idon’twanteveryoneattheclubaskingmeaboutit,asifIwereaprizepotatobeingfattenedforavegetableshow."OneeveningaweeklaterAmorystoppedbelowhisownwindowonthewaytoRenwick’s,and,seeingalight,calledup:
"Oh,Tom,anymail?"
Alec’sheadappearedagainsttheyellowsquareoflight.
"Yes,yourresult’shere."
Hisheartclamoredviolently.
"Whatisit,blueorpink?"
"Don’tknow.Bettercomeup."
