"Look here, Jimmy," she said with sudden brusqueness, "if she comes back here again without you it will be the last time you need ask me for help. You've got your chance. If you can't make her want to stay with you for the rest of your natural life I wash my hands of the whole affair."
"I'll do my best. I——" he floundered.
Gladys caught his arm in friendly fashion.
"I've no right to tell you, I suppose," she said, lowering her voice, "but it won't be easy. I never thought she'd change so, but now—well——" She shrugged her shoulders.
A little flame flashed into Jimmy's eyes.
"You mean that she doesn't care a hang for me now, is that it?" he asked roughly.
Gladys did not answer, she turned her face away.
Jimmy put his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to look at him.
"Gladys, you don't mean—not—not Kettering?"
There was a thrill of agony in his voice.