THE students were beginning to stir when Melissa walked diagonally across the Old Quad with Carstairs tagging dutifully along behind her. The students gathered in cackling flocks or walked alone brooding upon the pitfalls in academic life, as is their wont. Strangers are apt to be disconcerted by their odd mannerisms, but Melissa was accustomed to them and knew that all they needed was to be ignored.
Eric Trent was sitting on the front steps of Old Chem. He stood up quickly when he saw Melissa and Carstairs and then, realizing that they had already seen him, sat down again reluctantly and stared into space.
“Hello,” said Melissa.
“How do you do,” Trent said warily.
“I’m tired,” Melissa told him. “Will it distress you if I sit here on the steps?”
“Not at all,” said Trent.
Carstairs sa
