"I hope you are well, Mr. Paul," he remarked.
Mr. Paul looked up placidly.
"I may say," he returned, "that I am never well."
"Sorry to hear it."
There was a period of silence, which Mr. Paul broke at last in dry tones.
"I have occasion to know," he announced, "that the young woman whom we knew by the name of Mariana, to which I believe she had no legal title, has returned to the city."
Nevins jumped. "You don't say so!" he exclaimed.
"My information," returned Mr. Paul, "was obtained from the elevator boy who took her to the apartment of Miss Ramsey."
"Did she go to see Miss Ramsey?" demanded Nevins and Ardly in a breath.