Why does Stamford get into a fight with his cabin mate? What is the result of this fight?

Stamford gets into a fight with Clement over a girl, Gloria, whom Stamford would like to have a relationship with but who is already having an affair with Clement. The two men fight and Stamford is badly injured, causing him to be administered to by Delphie, a woman nearer to his own age whom he will eventually marry.