"How will you put it now?"
"My daughter laughed every time I mentioned the baron's name, as I thought, or possibly as I wanted to believe, derisively."
"She did not say right out that she despised the baron?"
"Frankly, no."
"You admit you overstated the matter?"
"In my bewilderment and anxiety I may have done so; but, sir, what do these questions mean?"
"They are general and intended to serve as side lights only. Now tell me, how did you learn that the young man, August Wagner, was a pseudo baron?"
"I have no positive evidence; I so believe, however."
"But suppose he is a real baron?"
"Then my daughter's peril is greater, and I have the saddest prospect ahead of me."