"I didn't send Mr. Ballinger."
"I don't suppose you did; still, if you happen to know of any one else likely to come and ask my assistance in his wooing, you might break it to me gently--now, that I may be prepared."
Lallie looked down; she smiled and dimpled distractingly, as she said softly:
"You must promise not to be cross--Mr. Johns wrote too, very seriously. He asked me to live the higher life with him."
"The deuce he did! And you?"
"I think a sisterly feeling is all I can muster up for Mr. Johns at present."
Tony groaned.
"Will he come to me, do you suppose? I warn you, he'll hear some home truths if he does."
"I don't think he'll worry you, Tony. He's on probation--as it were."
Softly, very softly, Lallie began to play the "Widdy Malone," and almost unconsciously Tony found himself humming: