"That is what they all told me. I have not yet seen my bonds and jewels."

"We will talk about that later on. What I desire to know is, who is the lady whose portrait I see here?"

"What business is it of yours who the lady is?"

"I tell you I know the original."

"Then why do you ask me who she is?"

The question was a cute one.

"There is a mystery here."

"Is there?"

"There is."

The old man appeared to be a clear-headed, nervy individual, although he might be a miser.