To the left of this, at the top of another flight leading to the library, was hung a fine full-length portrait of John Burkett Ryder.

The ceilings here as in the lower hall were richly gilt and adorned with paintings by famous modern artists.

When he reached this floor Jefferson was about to turn to the right and proceed direct to his mother's suite when he heard a voice near the library door.

It was Mr.Bagley giving instructions to the butler.
The Honourable Fitzroy Bagley, a younger son of a British peer, had left his country for his country's good, and in order to turn an honest penny, which he had never succeeded in doing at home, he had entered the service of America's foremost financier, hoping to gather a few of the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table and disguising the menial nature of his position under the high-sounding title of private secretary.

His job called for a spy and a toady and he filled these requirements admirably.