"It is only fair, John, that you should know that Pless is not his real name," she said, lowering her voice. "But, of course, we stand sponsor for him, so it is all right."
"Your word is sufficient, Elsie."
She seemed to be debating some inward question. The next I knew she moved a little closer to me.
"His life is a—a tragedy," she whispered. "His heart is broken, I firmly believe. Oh!"
The Billy Smiths came up. Elsie proceeded to withdraw into herself.
"We were speaking of Mr. Pless," said I. "He has a broken heart."
The newcomers looked hard at poor Elsie.
"Broken fiddle-sticks," said Billy Smith, nudging Elsie until she made room for him beside her on the long couch. I promptly made room for Betty Billy.
"We ought to tell John just a little about him," said Elsie defensively. "It is due him, Billy."
"But don't tell him the fellow's heart is broken. That's rot."