'Did he? I never heard that.'
'And he was much impressed with his bearing.'
'Well, I suppose, Mr. Carter, that if he was really penitent'
'Never saw a man less penitent,' I interrupted. 'He gloried in his crime; if I remember his exact expression, it was that the jam was jolly well worth the powder, and if they liked to send him to chokee they could and be and suffer accordingly, you know.'
'And after that, Hilary!'
'Oh, anybody can impose on Hilary, you know. Hilary only asked what the "jam" was.'
'It's a horrid expression, but I suppose it meant acting the part of a gentleman, didn't it?'
'Not entirely. According to what he told Hilary, Johnny was in love.'
'Oh, and he stole for some wretched'
'Now, do be careful. What do you know about the lady?'
'The lady! I can imagine Johnny Tompkins's ideal!'
'So can I, if you come to that.'
'And she must have known his money wasn't his own.'
'Why must she?' I asked. 'According to what he told Hilary, she didn't.'
'I don't believe it,' said Mrs. Hilary, with decision.
'Hilary believed it!'
