The men were staring at old Rance, wondering what it was all about. They did not know what Angel knew about Lila’s parentage, and as far as they were concerned, they thought Angel was accusing old Rance of being these things.
Old Rance reached back and took Lila by the arm.
“It’s all right,” he said brokenly. “Yuh can’t expect it to always work out jist right. C’mon, Lila.”
They walked out together, the crowd staring after them. Angel’s face was a little more white than usual as he dropped back into his chair, ready to resume the game. But the players cashed in their chips and went out, until no one remained in the place, except Angel, the other dealer, and the bartender.
Rance walked as far as the gate of the Parker home with Lila. Neither of them said anything until they reached the gate, when Lila said:
“Oh, I’m sorry it happened. I simply had to tell you. But I—I guess I forgot he was your own son.”
“That’s all right, Lila; it was thoughtful of yuh to even think of me.”
“But that letter——” faltered Lila. “What letter was it?”
“I dunno,” slowly. “Forget it.”
“But he—he said my father was a thief and a bank-robber.”