"And what was it that you thought? Can you recollect?"
"Well, yes, sir, I suppose I can. That is, I know that I did think at times that if things went all right and I made a little more money and she got a place somewhere else, that I would begin taking her out openly, and then afterwards maybe, if she and I kept on caring for each other as we did then, marry her, maybe."
"You actually thought of marrying her then, did you?"
"Yes, sir. I know I did in the way that I've said, of course."
"But that was before you met this Miss X?"
"Yes, sir, that was before that."
"Beautifully done!" observed Mason, sarcastically, under his breath to State Senator Redmond. "Excellent stage play," replied Redmond in a stage whisper.
"But did you ever tell her in so many words?" continued Jephson.
"Well, no, sir. I don't recall that I did—not just in so many words."
"You either told her or you didn't tell her. Now, which was it?"