So _this_ was the hallowed mystery of higher education.

He was sitting motionless, his elbows on his knees, his big chest and shoulders inclined forward, his gaze fixed upon a wreath of red roses in the pattern of the moquette carpet--that carpet upon which Adelaide, backed by Arthur, had waged vain war as the worst of the many, to cultured nerves, trying exhibitions of "primitive taste" in Ellen's best rooms.

When Hiram spoke his lips barely opened and his voice had no expression.

His next question was: "What does A mean ?" "The A men are those that keep their noses in their books.

They're a narrow set--have no ideas--think the book side is the only side of a college education." "Then you don't go to college to learn what's in the books ?" "Oh, of course, the books are part of it.