"Your name is Jones, I believe?"
"No, madam, my name is Tavares. I did not send you my own card for reasons which you will understand."
At the mention of the name Tavares Mrs. Richards winced, and there came a pallor to her face. She was a fine-looking woman, commanding in face and figure, but she was a woman of wonderful shrewdness and self-control, and she asked:
"What may be your business with me?"
"You are acquainted, madam, with a young man named August Wagner? I believe he claims to be a baron."
The woman spoke very slowly, as though measuring every word.
"I know the baron; I have befriended him."
"Yes, madam, no doubt, and I fear he has taken advantage of your kindness."
The woman trembled.
"Taken advantage of my kindness?"