"Yes, where? If you told me all the truth concerning yourself ten years ago, we can make him play into our hands."
"How?"
"Don't go too fast. When you told me that he believed you to have left home because of an unkind step-mother, was that true?"
"It was true. I did leave home and come to the city when I was but sixteen, because my father was a drunkard, and my step-mother abusive, and we were poor and I was proud."
"Don't doubt that fact;" with an outward gesture of the supple hand. "But you told him that you had two big step-brothers!"
Cora laughed. "A big brother is an excellent weapon to hold over the heads of some men," she suggested.
"True," with an amused look. "Why didn't you brandish one over me?"
"Over you?" laughing again. "You and Percy were two different men."
"Much obliged," lifting his hat with mock gravity. "Well, we are 'two different men,' still; just let your pretty little head rest, and leave Percy to me."
"I wish to Heaven you had made an end—"