Ardmore hesitated and turned his head cautiously.
“You understand, of course, that this discussion is painful to me, extremely painful. And yet, so much has been published about my sister’s domestic affairs——”
“Exactly, Mr. Ardmore. What we want is to print your side of the story.”
“Very decent of you, I’m sure. But the fact is”—and Ardmore glanced over his shoulder again to be sure he was not overheard—“the fact is——” and he paused, batting his eyes as though hesitating at the point of an important disclosure.
“Yes, Mr. Ardmore,” encouraged the reporter.
“Well, I don’t mind telling you, but don’t print this. Let it be just between ourselves.”
“Oh, of course, if you say not——”
“That’s all right; I have every confidence in your discretion; but if this will go no further, I don’t mind telling you——”
“You may rely on me absolutely, Mr. Ardmore.”
“Then, with the distinct understanding that this is sub rosa—now we do understand each other, don’t we?” pleaded Ardmore.