"Mother," he said eagerly, "have I your consent to—to make this matter public? Are you willing to—risk telling the truth?"
"And go to prison, eh?" sneered Jimmy. "Fine advice!"
"The more wicked a man is, the bigger fool he is!" retorted his wife.
"Do you suppose that this matter can be kept secret?" cried Tod. "You are willing? You want to cut yourself loose from this—this association with a scoundrel like Cooley?"
"God knows I do!" moaned Jimmy. "Oh, this is my punishment—this is my punishment!"
"Then you've got one chance, Jimmy. Go upstairs and tell those people that you demand Paula Marsh's instant release from this place."
Jimmy rose, his face white.
"No," he said. "Give me time— I'll arrange it privately with Cooley. Don't force me to—to—make a public exposure—for your own sakes——"
"You must not consider us," cried Tod.
"Well, you can consider me," said his mother. "I don't mind going as far as the divorce court, but I'm not pining to go to prison."