"Jasper Tuller. It is highly important that I see somebody of the family at once," went on the visitor.
Mrs. Bangs was in an upper hallway and overheard the talk. She knew her husband had had some trouble with a book agent over the payment of a bill and took Tuller to be that person.
"A gentleman to see you, Mrs. Bangs," said the maid. "He is very anxious about it."
"I cannot see anybody," returned the fashionable woman, coldly. "Tell him I am not at home."
The girl went down into the hallway, where she had left Jasper Tuller standing.
"Mrs. Bangs is not at home, sir. You will have to call some other time."
"Is Mr. Bangs's son at home?"
"No, sir; he is away for the summer."
"When will Mrs. Bangs be back?"
"I can't say, sir."