"Why shouldn't I hear it?"
"No reason, that I know. It is one of the 'ways of the world' you referred to, to tell everything of everybody,—especially when it is not true."
"Isn't that story true?"
"It has no inherent improbability. Tom is open to influences, and—" He stopped.
"I know it is true; for Mrs. Caruthers told me herself."
"Poor Tom!"—
"It was very good for him, that the thing was put an end to. But you—you should fly at higher game than Tom Caruthers can strike, Philip."
"Thank you. There was no occasion for your special fear last night. I am in no danger there. But I know a man, Jessie,—a man I think much of, too,—who is very much drawn to one of those ladies. He has confessed as much to me. What advice shall I give him? He is a man that can please himself; he has abundant means, and no ties to encumber him."
"Does he hold as high a position as you?"
"Quite."