With proper delicacy the lawyer approached the subject at hand, and Richard Anderson listened in amazement.
"It is absurd to think there is anything wrong with our company, Mr. Farley," said the gentleman, with spirit. "If Mrs. Vernon thinks so all she has to do is to put her stocks on the market, and I will buy them up at two per cent. above par value. How did such a silly rumor ever reach her ears?"
"I hardly feel justified in stating how the rumor started."
"But I must demand it of you, Mr. Farley. Why, such a report, if it spread, might do our company a tremendous harm."
"I agree with you on that point."
"Tell me the truth, and I will see that you do not suffer through it."
"I do not want Mrs. Vernon to suffer."
Richard Anderson thought for a moment, then leaped to his feet.
"Tell me, did that report come from that fool of a nephew of hers?" he demanded.
"What makes you think it might come from him?"