"I would like to ask you a question."
"Go on."
"How about that old lady who occupies your house on —— street? Is she your mother?"
"Yes."
"Does she know what a scoundrel she has for a son?"
"She has no knowledge of my private affairs," returned Barkswell, not seeming to notice the offensive manner of putting the question used by Keene.
"And Iris is not your wife?"
"That's what I said."
"And Miss Alstine knows nothing of this, of your plans, your scheming to win a fortune through her?"
"Certainly not. I haven't been fool enough to give myself away."