You say 'such depraved characters.' Can you refer to this Mercedes?
Strange as it may seem, I confess feeling an interest in this beautiful Mexican girl.

What is it you know regarding her ?" The young man impulsively started to speak, but as instantly paused.
An instinctive dread of uttering those plain words he would much prefer she should never hear served to soften his language.
"There is not a great deal of reserve about the Gayety," he explained lightly, "and indiscriminate gossip is a part of its advertising equipment.

As to Senorita Mercedes, my only informant is common rumor out in front.

That connects her name quite familiarly with one of the proprietors of the gambling rooms." "You have no reason to know this ?" "None whatever.

As I say, it has come to me in the form of common rumor.