“I’m prepared to pay you what I owe, Penny.”
“Oh, Jack, it’s not the money. Don’t you understand—”
“You think I’ve had a finger in lifting the brass lantern from the Queen,” Jack said stiffly.
“Gracious, no! But shouldn’t you explain?”
Jack was silent for a moment. Then he said, “Thanks, Penny, for having a little faith in me. I know I’ve been an awful sap.”
“Suppose you tell me all about it.”
“There’s nothing to tell. I went to the Harpers a number of times—attended their dances, and spent a lot of money. I got into debt to that fellow Glowershick and he pressed me for it.”
“There was nothing more to it?”
“Not a thing, except that I didn’t want my folks to hear about it. That’s why I pretended I didn’t know Glowershick. I was afraid you would tell them. Don’t you believe me?”
“Oh, I do, Jack. I’m so relieved. And the jitterbug girl at Harpers’—”