ess. For some time I tried to
enlighten people's minds by supplying them with good literature. But
business is dull these days, so I have been forced to turn to something
else for a living for me and mine. And I must say that this new
business pays much better. I am a stand-between, and in that capacity
I am here to-day."

"A stand-between! I do not know what you mean."

"Quite true, madame. It is hard for you, living so comfortably, to
understand how difficult it is for some people to stand between those
they love and poverty. I fear I have not done very well along that
line in the past, though I am improving now."

"But what has all this to do with my daughter, of whom you speak?" Mrs.
Hampton somewhat impatiently asked. "What right have you even to
suggest that I have a daughter."

"Can you deny it?"

"Yes, I do."

"Madame! I am surprised at you."

"You need not be at all surprised, sir. I had a daughter once, but she
has been dead for many years."

"Ah, madame, dead to you, perhaps, but not to others. Have you
forgotten that?"

For a few seconds Mrs. Hampton tried to maintain her composure. But
the strain was too much upon her, so sinking down upon the steps, she
buried her face in her hands. Grimsby was by no means affected by the
woman's distress. He rather enjoyed it. He knew now that she was in
his power. Drawing forth a package of cigarettes, he selected one,
lighted it, and smoked in silent contentment. He had often seen his
wife in just such a situation, so it was nothing new to him.

At length Mrs. Hampton lifted her head and looked at Grimsby. There
were tears in her eyes, and her face was drawn and white. The
comfortable, self-satisfied man annoyed her, and a wave of indignation
swept upon her.

"Why have you come here to-day to torment me?" she asked.

"Torment you! In what way?"

"By your words of insinuation."

"Are they not true?"

"Suppose I deny them?"

"It would be no use, madame. I have all the necessary proof."

"Of what?"

"Don't you know? Do you wish me to tell what happened in a private
hospital, twenty years ago, and how you exchanged----"

"Stop, stop! For God's sake, don't say any more!"

"You acknowledge it all, then?"

"How can I deny it? But who told you?"

"Madame," and Grimsby flicked the ashes from his cigarette as he spoke,
"when a man has a wife such as mine, sooner or later he learns many
interesting things."

"Your wife! Wha