"I thought she might live near by," said Filippo Novarro, for such was the name he gave.
"Two years ago she removed to Minnesota," said the merchant, with fluent falsehood. "Her son, however, is travelling in Europe."
"That, at least, will look as if she retained her fortune," he said to himself.
"Then I must not hope to meet her," said Novarro. "When you write, will you give her my profound respects?"
"With pleasure, Señor Novarro," said Walton, briskly. "Can I be of any service to you personally?"
"Thank you, sir, no. I shall be very busy till I leave the city."
"Then let me express my pleasure in meeting you," said Walton, offering his hand.
"The pleasure is mutual, Mr. Walton, I assure you," said the stranger, bowing low.
"Thank Heaven, I have got rid of you," said Walton to himself, wiping the perspiration from his brow. "But shall I always be as lucky?"