“And does Peter know where he is?”
“Yes. At least I’m hoping so. Elia goes with him a deal now, on his expeditions. Peter’s real good to him. I think he’s trying to help him in––in––you know Elia is so––so delicate.”
The girl’s evident reluctance to put into words her well-loved brother’s weaknesses roused all Jim’s sympathy.
“Yes, yes. And is he supposed to be with Peter now?”
“He went away with him four days ago.”
“I see.”
Then there was another awkward pause. Again Eve was the one to break it. They were nearing the gate of her little garden.
“But what has brought you into town, Jim?” she suddenly asked, as though his presence had only just occurred to her as being unusual.
With a rush the memory of all his disgrace came upon him again. He laughed bitterly, harshly.