Wheeler. Why, of course.
Graef. From whom?
Wheeler. I saw a little account of it in this morning's issue (pointing to paper on table) of the Sun.
Graef. (surprised) What! Has it already appeared in print? (picks up paper and reads to himself while Wheeler is talking)
Wheeler. Yes, but you need not mind that. All you have to do is to leave town for a few years. Go to some place where you are unknown, carve out a name and fortune for yourself, return here wealthy, and this trivial offence of yours will be condoned, at least, if you are not made a hero of.
Graef. (excitedly, pointing to passage in article) That's not true. I was not "compelled to leave my aunt's residence." I left of my own free will. I could not remain there after I knew she thought I had committed the deed.
Wheeler. (soothingly) Of course not; never mind that article, it's not of much importance. No one believes sensational newspaper reports, anyhow.
Graef. But that does me a gross injustice.
Wheeler. Oh, pshaw, that's nothing. Let it go, and forget all about it. What do you intend doing with yourself now?
Graef. I intend to remain here, turn over a new leaf, make a man of myself, and live down this disgrace.