, madame,
keep calm. Don't get excited. I see you understand to what I refer,
and that is good. Now, how would you like for that to be known?"

"Heavens, man! Are you in earnest? Surely you must be joking."

"Not at all. I was never more in earnest in my life. I merely asked
if you would like the above-mentioned transaction made public. That is
all I wish to know."

"No, no; it must not be mentioned. For almost twenty years it has been
kept a secret, and why should the public know of it now? It would
break my heart. I could never face anyone again. And John, who is so
dear to me, what would he think? How could I explain? It must not be!
You will not tell, will you?"

Grimsby lighted another cigarette, crossed his legs, and smoked
contentedly. He was quite satisfied, so could afford to take his time.
This woman's trouble was nothing to him, and no accusing conscience
worried him in the least degree. He was past all that.

"I shall not tell, madame," he at length replied, "that is, providing
you make it worth while."

"In what way, Gabriel? What can I do to obtain your silence?"

"There is only one thing that will perform the charm. It has seldom
failed. I believe it is still powerful to silence tongues. It will
keep mine still, at any rate. Is it hard to guess what that is? You
should know of all women, for it proved effective twenty years ago."

Mrs. Hampton started, and looked keenly into the face of the man before
her.

"Do you mean money?" she asked. "Is that what will silence your
tongue?"

"Ah, I am glad that you have guessed it, madame. It will save
unnecessary talk. Yes, it is money, for it is money I need more than
anything else."

"Gabriel Grimsby! I cannot believe this of you. I always considered
you a man above such things. Are you willing to take money for keeping
silent? Would you not be afraid to use it?"

"Afraid! Of what, pray?"

"Of what might happen. Money obtained in such a way never does any
good."

"Are you speaking from experience, madame? It was not so in your case,
I believe."

Mrs. Hampton made no reply. Her eyes dropped, and, her face flushed.
Grimsby knew that the thrust had gone home, and he again smiled.

"You understand, I see," he continued. "That is the only thing,
madame, which will cause me to keep your secret."

"And if I don't give you anything?"

"You will have to take the consequences. Are you willing to do that?"

"No, no