"Oh, yes. Were your people——?"
"I have no people, Mrs. Rumsen," he said with a quick air of finality.
"Oh!" She still looked at him wonderingly. "I beg your pardon." Then she went on calmly, "You really interest me a great deal. I have seen Westerners in New York before—but you're different—I mean," she added, "the cut of your nose, the lines of your chin, the set of your head on your shoulders. I hope you'll forgive an old woman's curiosity."
Jeff bowed politely. "I'm very much flattered, Mrs. Rumsen."
"You and my brother have business interests in common?"
"Yes, I've a mine—a chain of mines and property interests, including a control of the Denver and Western Railroad."
She laid a hand impressively on his arm.
"Hold them. Take my advice and hold them. I know it is a great temptation to extend your control, to be a big man East and West. But don't try it by weakening what you have. Other men have come here to set the Hudson afire——"
"Some of them have done it, too, Mrs. Rumsen."
She shrugged. "What is the use? You have an empire of your own. Stay at home, develop it. Wouldn't you rather be first in Mantua than second in Rome?"