Even irritated and angry as he was, Sears could not help smiling at the last sentence.
"George," he observed, "you've been fairly open and aboveboard in your remarks to me. Suppose I ask you a question. Just what is your responsibility in the case? I have heard said, and more than once, that you and Elizabeth Berry are engaged to be married. Is it so?"
The young man grew redder yet, hesitated, and turned to the door.
"I—I'm not at liberty to say," he declared.
"Wait! Hold on! There is this responsibility business. If you're not engaged—well, honestly, George, I don't quite see where your responsibility comes in."
Kent hesitated a moment longer. Then he seemed to make up his mind.
"Well, then, we are—er—er—practically," he said.
"Practically?... Oh! Well, I—I certainly do congratulate you."
George had his hand on the latch, but turned back.
"Don't—please don't tell any one of it," he said earnestly. "It—it mustn't be known yet.... You see, though, why I—I feel as if you—as if we all ought to be very careful of—of appearances—and—and such things."