“In the first place, he had that inestimable advantage in a career of dishonesty—respectable relations.”
“Well, but still—”
“His widowed mother was a trump, you know.”
“Do you mean a good woman.”
“Doubtless she was; but I mean a good card. However, there was another reason.”
“I can’t see any,” declared Mrs. Hilary.
“I’m going to surprise you,” said I. “Hilary interceded for him.”
“Hilary?”
“You didn’t know it? I thought not. Well, he did.”
“Why, he always pretended to want him to be convicted.”