VIII
AT the gate of the New Race University and Masculine Beauty Preserve thepretty gate-keeper on duty looked at Langdon, then at his fair captor, inunfeigned astonishment.
"Why, Ethra!" she said, "is _that_ all you've brought home?"
"Did you think I was going to net a dozen?" asked Ethra Leslie, warmly."Please unlock the gate. Mr. Langdon is tired and hungry, and I want theRegents to finish with him quickly so that he can have some luncheon."
The gate-keeper, a distractingly pretty red-haired girl, regarded Langdonwith dubious hazel eyes.
"He'll never pass the examination," she whispered to Ethra. "What onearth are you thinking of?"
"What are _you_ thinking of, Marcella? You must be perfectly blind not tosee that he complies with every possible requisite! The Regents'inspection is bound to be only a brief formality. Be good enough to unbarthe gates."
Marcella slowly drew the massive bolts; hostile criticism was in the gazewith which she swept Langdon.
"Well, of all the insignificant looking young men," she murmured toherself as Ethra and her acquisition walked away along the path, side byside.