"It's not going beyond here, unless I find it necessary. I've played clean with you boys. Suppose you do the same with me."
"We-e-ell"—reluctantly—"he was rather much of a rounder. Nothing coarse about him, but he never was one to resist a woman. Rather the reverse, in fact."
"Ever been mixed up in a scandal?"
"Not publicly. He's friendly with a good many men—and with their wives. A dozen, I guess; but the husbands invite him to their homes, so I don't suppose there could be anything in the gossip. You see, folks are always too eager to talk about a man in his position and whatever woman he happens to be friendly with. And anyway, there hasn't been nearly so much talk about him since his engagement was announced."
"He is engaged?"
"Why, yes."
"To a girl in this city!"
"Sure! I thought you knew that. Dandy girl—Hazel Gresham. You've heard of Garry Gresham? It's his kid sister."
"So-o! How long has this engagement been known?"
"Couple of months. Pretty soft on both sides; he's got money and so has she. She's a good scout, too, even if she is a kid."