"H. B.'s a damned fascinating man," said Estelle Monks directly, "but he doesn't like reporters about, whether he's serious or not—particularly his own reporters."
"He's not serious!" said Doré.
Estelle Monks smiled.
"That is, he only thinks he is."
"I guess you understand him, don't you?" said Estelle Monks, still smiling.
"Yes!" She looked at her friend, interested. "What are you doing on the paper? You never told any one."
"Raise your hand and cross your heart!" said Estelle solemnly. "I'm Ferdie Amsterdam."
"You?" said Doré in amazement. For under that pseudonym was conducted the famous society column of the Free Press.
"Expert on the Four Hundred—social dictionary."
"Honest?"