"Evelyn was married this morning, but not to Lance," he said. "Well, I expect mother will be satisfied. From one point of view, the marriage is good."
"Then, you know the man?" said Jim, who sympathized with Dick's' bitterness.
"I do," said Dick, very dryly. "He's rich and getting fat, but on the whole, I imagine he's as good a husband as Evelyn deserves. I sometimes thought he wanted her and she quietly held him off; it looks as if she had lost no time now." He paused and the blood came to his skin as he resumed: "I'm breaking rules, this is rotten bad form, but you ought to be thankful you hadn't the misfortune to marry into our family."
Jim put his hand on the other's arm. "Stop it, Dick! You have been honest and we are friends. But I think you have said enough."
"Then give me a drink and let me go. I need bracing; the thing has knocked me off my balance."
"Here you are," said Jim, who went to a cupboard, and Dick lifted his glass.
"Good luck, Jim! You are lucky, you know. But if you're not a fool, you'll marry Carrie Winter."
He went out and Jim sat down again, looking straight in front, with knitted brows. He did not know how long he mused, but he got up abruptly when Carrie came in. She glanced at him curiously when he indicated a chair, and for a few moments he stood opposite, irresolute and frowning. Then he gave her Evelyn's note.
"After all, there is no reason you shouldn't read this," he said.
Carrie took the note and Jim thought her hand trembled when she returned it.