``Where did you pick him up?''

``Oh, I've known him quite a while.'' She glanced at her companion fondly. ``Haven't I, George?''

``I've been after her for years,'' Needham said, ``but I've never been able to get anywhere until the last few days.''

The girl's eyes were softly shining as she reached out and touched Casey's hand. ``Can I tell you a secret? We're going to get married. Do you approve?''

Casey kept his smile fixed, but some small inner disturbance was working on him as he thought again about Needham, who was eight or ten years older than the girl. He wondered whether Needham was going to swear off gambling and get a steady job or whether he was counting on the income from Betty's estate to subsidize him. None of this showed in his face, and he tried to keep his skepticism in hand. He made a point of frowning, of acting out the part of the fond father confessor.

``I'll have to give it some thought,'' he said. ``You wouldn't want me to say yes without making sure his intentions are honorable, would you?''

She made a face at him and then she laughed. ``Of course not.''

``I'll get my references in order,'' Needham said, and though he spoke with a smile, Casey somehow got the idea that he was not particularly amused. ``Stop by any time, Casey.'' He stood up and touched the girl's arm. ``Come on, darling. If you're really serious about working on that story, I'd better take you home.''