“Pete, if you do know, won't you tell us, please?” she begged.
Pete looked down at the hand, then up at the troubled young face with the beseeching eyes. His own features worked convulsively. With a visible effort he cleared his throat.
“I know—what he said,” he stammered, his eyes averted.
“What was it?”
There was no answer.
“Look here, Pete, you'll have to tell us, you know,” cut in Bertram, decisively, “so you might as well do it now as ever.”
Once more Pete cleared his throat. This time the words came in a burst of desperation.
“Yes, sir. I understand, sir. It was only that he said—he said as how young folks didn't need any one else around. So he was goin'.”
“Didn't need any one else!” exclaimed Bertram, plainly not comprehending.
“Yes, sir. You two bein' married so, now.” Pete's eyes were still averted.