"You wished to speak to me about something in particular?" Prale asked.
"Yes. I have read of the crime of which you are accused. I am sure that you are not guilty."
"Thank you, Miss Gilbert. I assure you that I am not. It is an unfortunate affair, which we hope to have cleared up within a short time."
"I hope that you will be free soon," she said. "And then you will be able to enjoy yourself, I suppose."
"I hope to have my vacation yet," Prale said.
"You are going to remain in New York?"
"Certainly; it is my home."
"Sometimes a man does better away from home."
"But I have been away from home for ten years. I have made my pile, as the saying is, and have come home to show off and lord it over my neighbors," Prale replied, laughing.
They had reached the lower end of Central Park now, and the taxi turned into a driveway, and made its way around the curves toward the upper end. The chauffeur was busy nodding to others of his craft and paying no attention to his fares. Sweethearts, he supposed, talking silly nothings as they were driven through the Park. The chauffeur was used to such; he hauled many of them.