Charnock had let him believe he had told her; he ought to have realized that the fellow could not act straight.
"I thought you knew," he stammered.
"That's obvious," Helen replied with an effort for calm.

"But tell me something about Miss Keller." "Sadie runs the hotel and helps at the store.

She's rather pretty and intelligent.

In fact, she's generally capable and a good manager." "You seem to know her well since you call her Sadie." "Oh," said Festing, "everybody calls her Sadie!" "You mean in the bar and poolroom?
I understand the latter's a public billiard-saloon!" Festing felt that he must do Sadie justice.

She had her virtues, and although he was very angry with Charnock he did not want Helen to think the fellow had given her up for a worthless rival.