"Who--who are you?" "Mayfair is my name. Of the 'Record.'" "The 'Record'! That yellow, radical paper!" Mr. Mayfair stepped nearer. His voice sank to an easy, confidential tone. "You are misled by appearances, Mrs. De Peyster. Every paper has got to have a policy; we're the common people's paper--big circulation, you know; and we so denounce the rich on our editorial page. But as a matter of fact we give our readers more live, entertaining, and respectful matter about society people than any other paper in New York. It's just what the common people love. And now"--easily shifting his base--"about this reported engagement of your son and Miss Quintard. As you know, it's the best 'romance in high life' story of the season. Will you either confirm or deny the report?" "I have nothing whatever to say," flamed out Mrs. De Peyster. "And will you leave this house instantly!" "Ah, Miss Quintard's mother would not deny it either," commented Mr. Mayfair with his polite imperturbability. His sharp eyes glinted with satisfaction. Young Mr. Mayfair admired himself as being something of the human dynamo. Also it was his private opinion that he was of the order of the super-reporter; nothing ever "got by him." "And so," he went on without a pause, "since the engagement is not denied, I suppose we may take it as a fact. And now"--again with his swift change of base--"may I ask, as a parting word before you sail, whether it is your intention next season to contest with Mrs. Allistair--" "I have nothing whatever to say!" "Quite naturally you'd prefer not to say anything," appeasingly continued the high-geared Mr. Mayfair, "but of course you are going to fight her." Again his sharp, unfoilable eyes glinted. "'Duel for social leadership'--pardon me for speaking of it as such, but that's what it is; and most interesting, I assure you; and I, for one, trust that you will retain your supremacy, for I know--_I know_," he repeated with emphasis--"that Mrs. Allistair has used some methods not altogether--sportsmanlike, may I say? And now"--rapidly shifting once more--"I trust I will not seem indelicate if I inquire whether it is in the scope of your present plans, perhaps at house-parties at the estates of titled friends, to meet the Duke de--" "I have nothing whatever to say!" gasped Mrs. De Peyster, glaring with consuming fury. "Naturally. We could hardly expect a categorical 'yes' or 'no.' We understand that your position requires you to be non-committal; and you, of course, understand that we newspaper men interpret a refusal to speak as an answer in the affirmative. Thank you very much for the interview you have given us. And I can assure you that we shall all handle the story with the utmost good taste. Good afternoon." He bowed. And the next moment the place where he had stood was vacant. "Of--of all the effrontery!" exploded Mrs. De Peyster.