as I do," Herbert retorted with
a meaning smile.

Nothing of moment passed between them during the rest of the journey,
but some time after they reached home Herbert turned to Sylvia, who was
sitting near him, in the absence of his wife.

"You're short of funds again?" he asked.

Sylvia explained her embarrassments, and Herbert looked thoughtful.

"So," he said, "you have spent what George sent, as well as what I
advanced you in anticipation of his next remittance. This can't go on,
you know."

"I'll be very economical for the next few months," Sylvia promised
penitently.

"If you're not, you'll find very stern economy imperative during those
that follow; but I'll let you have a small check before I leave."

Sylvia thanked him and they talked about other matters for a while.
Then he said carelessly:

"There's a favor you could do me. It won't cost you any trouble. A
young man is coming down here next week, and I want you to be as
pleasant as you can and make him enjoy his visit. I'm inclined to
think he'll appreciate any little attention you can show him."

"The last's a cheap compliment," Sylvia rejoined. "Aren't you asking
me to undertake your wife's duty?"

Herbert smiled.

"Not altogether. Muriel's an excellent hostess; she will do her part,
but I want you to assist her. You have exceptional and rather
dangerous gifts."

"Don't go too far," Sylvia warned him. "But I'd better understand the
situation. How long do you expect me to be amiable to the man?"

"Only for a couple of days. He might come down again, but that's not
certain."

Sylvia considered, for she saw what Herbert required. She was to exert
her powers of fascination upon the visitor, in order to make him more
pliable in his host's hands. The task was not a disagreeable one, and
she had foreseen all along that Herbert, in indulging her in various
ways, would look for some return.

"After all," she said, "there's no reason why I should be ungracious to
him, so long as he's pleasant."

Herbert carelessly nodded agreement, but Sylvia knew that he expected
her to carry out his wishes; and she did not find it difficult when the
guest arrived.

Paul Singleton was young, and perhaps unusually susceptible to the
influences brought to bear upon him during his visit. Born with some
talents, in very humble station, he had by means of scholarships
obtained an excellent education, and had devoted himself in particular
to the study