John kept his mother in suspense while he disposed of his mouthful. He swallowed twice, then took a drink of water. At last he was ready and he looked at his mother, suspending operations for that purpose.
"Charlie Ladue's a gambler," he announced abruptly.
"What!" Mrs. Upjohn exclaimed. But she was pleased in spite of herself. What would Letty say to that? "Are you sure you heard it right?"
"'Course I'm sure."
"Well, John, I'm grieved to hear it. You must be careful not to talk about it."
"'Course I won't talk about it. I'll stop now if you want me to."
"No," said Mrs. Upjohn judicially. "No, I think you ought to tell me all you heard. How long has it been going on and where does Charlie go?"
So John Junior retailed at some length all that he had heard, rather to the neglect of his supper. Certain important details were lacking and he had to fill them in from his imaginings, which were rather defective as to the points under discussion.
"Well," said Mrs. Upjohn, when the recital and the supper were both finished, "I think somebody ought to be told. I don't just like to tell Sally, but she ought to know."
"They didn't want to tell Sally either. Horry Carling's in her office and he could tell her easy enough if he wanted to."