"Take care that you do not find out my name too soon."
With inward fear the banker approached the Italian to-day.
"Signor Fagiano, what brings you here to-day? This is the second time that you have crossed my path, and I hope it will be the last. I do not know you, you do not know me, and I cannot understand to what I am indebted for the honor of your visit. I am very patient, but everything has its limits, and only the position I occupy prevents me from throwing you out."
"Call your servants, Monsieur de Larsagny. I have no fear of publicity," said Fagiano, boldly.
The banker grasped the bell-rope, but let his hand fall again, and Fagiano, who noticed this, mockingly observed:
"Why do you hesitate? Would you prefer to finish our interview without witnesses?"
"Impudent puppy!" hissed Larsagny.
"Do not get excited! Let us come to the point."
"I have been waiting for that a long time," growled Larsagny; "tell me, first of all, who are you?"