"Just so," interrupting her; "and would he know you?"
"I think not. I was heavily veiled, by Philip's order."
"Now, try to recall all that Philip has told you of this man."
"They were college students together. Philip said that Percy was indolent and vain, and too fond of female society of any sort or grade. He made wonderful progress in such studies as he chose to apply himself to, and, had he been less of a sybarite, might have obtained high rank as a scholar. But he was erratic, full of queer conceits, and never made himself popular with either professors or students."
"Social standing not good, eh? Now, as to his finances."
Olive looked somewhat surprised at this question, but replied: "His parents were not well to do, but he was a favorite with a rich old uncle, who paid his college expenses and made him a liberal allowance. However, he fell into disgrace just before his class graduated, and his uncle cast him off. He never took his degree."
"What was the occasion of his disgrace?"
"Some scandalous affair with a mechanic's daughter; the particulars I did not learn."
"Of course not. They are of no consequence. This happened how long ago?"
Olive mused. "Philip is now thirty-three; this was twelve years ago."