West was to put the matter before his father, and Joel before his.

If their parents sanctioned it, Joel was to apply for the change of abode.

As yet the matter was still in abeyance.
Richard Sproule, as West had suggested rather more forcibly than politely, was becoming more and more objectionable, and Joel was not a bit grieved at the prospect of leaving him.

Of late, intercourse between the roommates had become reduced to rare monosyllables.

This was the outcome of a refusal on Joel's part to give a portion of his precious study time to helping Sproule with his lessons.