“Perhaps not,” he agreed. “Perhaps one is not always the first person to know it oneself.” And he hastily took his departure.
As he was going out he met Emmons, who stopped him, and after a brief interchange on the subject of Mr. Lee’s illness, observed that he had been wanting a few words with Mr. Overton for some days.
“About Bob Lee, Mr. Overton. Do you know his past history?”
“I do,” said Overton. He held up his hand and signaled to his coachman.
To so simple an answer Emmons for a moment could think of nothing to say, but feeling that so important a matter could not be so quickly settled he went on:
“Oh, of course, in that case I have nothing to say. It is no business of mine.”
Overton was pulling on his gloves and did not reply.
“But have you ever thought, Mr. Overton, what sort of example your friendship with such a man offered to the community?”
“A very good example, I should think.”
Again Emmons was confused. “Of Christian charity?” he asked.