long digression. Looking up at his cheap little clock, Heaphy perceived that he had just time to run over to his eating club, if he did not wish to go supperless to the reception.
He had never been to a dance in his life, and had it not been for Hart's expressing his own determination to put in an appearance, he would never have thought of such a thing.
Heaphy had determined deliberately to make a friend of Newton Hart, and to win, if possible, his regard.
At about half-past nine Mr. Heaphy had completed his toilet and looked at himself in the glass. He had paid particular attention to his hair, but it stood stiff and straight in a red, wiry tangle that refused to remain parted. Around the narrow standing collar was a white satin tie, forsooth made fast with a palpable elastic band; and, to complete the tone, he had thrust a black silk handkerchief with a red border into his waistcoat.
With many misgivings he left the room and walked down the corridor, and knocked on Hart's door. There was no answer. His courage almost failed him for a moment, but at last he started alone across the campus for University Hall where the reception was being held.
