“Leave it to Ned,” said Van Cortlandt. There was another laugh.
“In the second place,” continued Mr. Carteret, disregarding the interruption, “I know for a fact that last evening the Evanstons were still living together in the country.”
“Well, I know there is going to be a divorce,” said Van Cortlandt. “I got that from a member of Emerson Whittlesea’s firm, and he’s Evanston’s lawyer.”
“A lawyer who would tell a thing like that ought to be disbarred,” said Mr. Carteret. “If I could find out who it is, I should try to have it done.”
“Why?” said Crowninshield.
“Because the three people concerned in the story that he has furnished a foundation for, are my friends.”
“So they are his,” said Van Cortlandt; “so they are ours. That’s what makes it interesting. What’s the use of friends,” he went on, “if you can’t enjoy their domestic difficulties?”
Mr. Carteret rose. “That is a matter of opinion,” he said stiffly.
“Well,” retorted Van Cortlandt, “there’s nothing one can do about it.”
“Have you ever tried?” said Mr. Carteret.