Broad returned to the girl.
“Here is a friend of yours who has turned up—Mr. Johnson.”
The philosopher crossed the room with quick, nervous strides, and held out both his hands to the girl.
“I’m so sorry, Miss Bennett,” he said, “so very, very sorry! It must be dreadful for you, dreadful! Can I do anything?”
She shook her head, tears of gratitude in her eyes.
“It is very sweet of you, Mr. Johnson. You’ve done so much for Ray, and Inspector Elk was telling me that you had offered him a position in your office.”
Johnson shook his head.
“It is nothing. I’m very fond of Ray, and he really has splendid capabilities. Once we get him out of this mess, I’ll put him on his feet again. Your father doesn’t know? Thank God for that!”
“I wish this news hadn’t got into the papers,” she said, when he told her how he had learnt of the happening.
“Silenski, of course,” said Broad. “A motion picture publicity man would use his own funeral to get a free par. How are you feeling in your new position, Johnson?” he asked, to distract the girl’s mind from the tragic thoughts which were oppressing her.