"Newspaper talk!"

"Is it? She's made her living by bleeding men, by taking gifts and
renting herself out the way she did at Hammon's supper. Men don't
support show-girls from chivalrous motives. I had her family
looked up, and it didn't take two hours. Listen to this report."
He extracted a typewritten sheet from his bill-case, adjusted his
glasses, and began to read:

"Peter Knight: former residence Vale, New York. Held several minor
offices; sheriff for one term; involved in scandal over public
works and defeated for re-election. Reputation bad. Detailed
record can be had if necessary. Moved to this city 1911; clerk in
Department of Water Supply, Gas, and Electricity until injured by
taxi-cab while intoxicated. Believed to be crippled.

"James Knight, son. Reputation bad. Generally known as a loafer,
suspected of boosting for so-called 'wire-tappers' operating on
upper West Side last spring. Believed to have some connection with
more than one blackmailing scheme--details available. He figured
in recent scandal concerning well-known financier and actress. Of
late employed as steerer for Max Melcher's gambling-house, West
Forty-sixth Street. Broker living at Charlevoix Apartments
reported to have lost large sums through his efforts. No police
record as yet.

"Mathilda Knight, wife of Peter--

"D'you want the rest?" Mr. Wharton inquired.