“Then it was you whom Jones saw in Cincinnati?” he asked.
Shirley nodded.
“I knew it,” replied Jimmy. “When he was so persistent, I knew that he was not lying. Now I understand. Then you must have overheard our first conversation?”
“Yes, I did.”
“And why didn’t you tell your father?”
“Because,” said Shirley slowly, “I knew that I could save you from yourself. I was sure that you would not fail me, no matter how great the temptation; but I knew father would not believe that, if he once learned you had even considered the offer.”
“Miss Shirley,” said Jimmy brokenly, “I can never thank you enough. Never will I be tempted again. Never!”
“I am sure of it,” replied Shirley, “and for that reason I shall say nothing about it to Dad.”
“You will find in the future that I am to be trusted,” said Jimmy simply.
“I am sure of it, Jimmy,” Shirley answered quietly.