command, Stocmar. Hawke's family
never got one shilling by his death; they never were able to trace
what became of his money, or the securities he held in foreign funds. I
remember how Godfrey used to go on about that girl of his being one day
or other the greatest heiress of her time. Take _my_ word for it, Loo
could make some revelations on this theme. Come," cried he, quickly, as
a sudden thought flashed across him, "I 'll tell you what I 'll do.
You are to meet her this evening at the masked ball. Let me go in your
place. I 'll give you my solemn promise not to abuse the opportunity,
nor make any scandal whatever. It shall be a mere business discussion
between us; so much for so much. If she comes to terms, well. If she
does not agree to what I propose, there's no harm done. As I said
before, there shall be no publicity,--no scene."

"I can't accede to this, Ludlow. It would be a gross breach of faith on
my part," said Stocmar, gravely.

"All your punctilio, I remark, is reserved for _her_ benefit," said
Paten, angrily. "It never occurs to you to remember that _I_ am the
injured person."

"I only think of the question as it displays a man on one side, and a
woman on the other. Long odds in favor of the first, eh?"

"You think so!" said Paten, with a sneer. "By Jove! how well you judge
such matters! I can't help wondering what becomes of all that subtlety
and sharpness you show when dealing with stage folk, when you come to
treat with the world of every-day life. Why, I defy the wiliest serpent
of the ballet to overreach you, and yet you suffer this woman to wind
you round her finger!"

"Well, it is a very pretty finger!" laughed Stocmar.

"Yes, but to have you at her feet in this fashion!"

"And what a beautiful foot too!" cried Stocmar, with enthusiasm.

Something that sounded like a malediction was muttered by Paten as he
arose and walked the room with passionate strides. "Once more, I say,"
cried he, "let me take your place this evening, or else I 'll call on
this old fool,--this Sir William Heathcote,--and give him the whole
story of his bride. I 'm not sure if it's not the issue would give me
most pleasure. I verily believe it would."

"It's a smart price to pay for a bit of malice too!" said Stocmar,
musing. "I must say, there are some other ways in which the money would
yield me as much pleasure."

"Is it a bargain, Stocmar? Do you say yes?" cried Paten, with heightened
excitement.

"I don't se