Who is Dr. Morris Ritz from The Grass Harp and what is their importance?

Verena meets Dr. Ritz on a trip to Chicago. He claims to be a scientist, and Verena mistakenly believes his promise that he can assist her in the marketing and sales of Dolly's dropsy cure. Ritz's misrepresentation of himself leads to a loss of $12,700, as Ritz takes off with the money and travels to South America.