"In that case," said Ben, "if you will tell me your name I will speak to Cousin Ida about it."
Now Mr. Campbell was in a dilemma. If Ida Sinclair were really the ward of whom he was in pursuit, his name would only put her on her guard. He quickly thought of a ruse.
"I will send a card," he said.
He stepped to the clerk's desk, and asked for a blank card. After an instant's hesitation, he penciled the name James Vernon, and handed it to Ben.
"The young lady may not remember my name," he said; "but in an interview I think I can recall it to her recollection. Please give it to your cousin."
"All right, sir."
Ben went up-stairs and tapped for admission at Miss Sinclair's door.
"Well, Ben?" she said inquiringly.
"Here is a card which a gentleman down-stairs asked me to hand you."
"James Vernon!" repeated the young lady, in surprise. "Why, I don't know any gentleman of that name."