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 Ford girl has been doing her level best to ruin Victoria's reputation! Now answer me: didn't she shake even your confidence?"

Morton flushed to the roots of his hair, and his uncle, requiring no further answer, chuckled angrily.

"Of course she did, confound her! And let me tell you I saw her—saw her myself, going into Gagano's. I was sitting in the restaurant facing the door that opens into the hall leading to the private rooms up-stairs. They came in about half-past seven. I can describe every rag she wore: a black velvet dress and a sable cape, and a black hat with feathers on it. She glanced into the room. I could see the annoyance on her face when she discovered that the door was open, but somehow she didn't recognize me. With her was that man Valdeck, and I'll bet my last share in the 'Consolidated' he's a bad egg, in spite of the fuss these women make over him. Who in thunder is he? And where did he come from? Confound him!"

"I must believe you mistaken," Morton ob- 250