"Sheisafairwoman；aboutforty-five。Sheisspeaking。Shecallstoyou，Brother，brother。"Vera'svoiceroseexcitedly。
　　"Itisthewomaninthepicture；yoursister!Catherine!Iseeitwrittenaboveherhead——Catherine。Inlettersoflight。"
　　Sheturnedsuddenlyandfiercely。"Askheryourquestion!"shecommanded。"Askheryourquestion，now!"
　　BythesuddenswayingforwardofVanceandRainey，intheintentlookintheireyes，itwasevidentthatacrisishadapproached。
　　ButMr。Hallowell，terrifiedandtrembling，shrankback。Hisvoicebrokehysterically。"No，no!"hepleaded。BothangeranddisappointmentshowedinthefaceofVanceandRainey；butthegirl，asthoughdetachedfromanyhumanconcerns，continuedunmoved。"Iseeanotherfigure，"sherecited。"Ayounggirl，butsheisofthisworld。IseemtogetanH。Yes。Helen，inlettersoffire。"
　　"Myniece，Helen!"Hallowellwhisperedhoarsely。
　　"Yes，yourniece，"chantedthegirl。Hervoiceroseandthrilled。"AndIseemuchgold，"shecried。"Betweenthetwowomen，heapsofgold。EverywhereIlookIseegold。And，now，theotherwoman，yoursister，istryingtospeaktoyou。Listen!
　　Shecallstoyou，Brother!"
　　Socenteredwastheinterestofthoseintheroom，socompellingthesoundofthegirl'svoice，that，unnoticed，theslidingdoorstothelibrarywereslippedapart。Unobserved，JudgeGaylorandWinthrophaltedinthedoorway。TotheJudgethemeaningofthescenewasinstantlyapparent。Hisfaceflushedfuriously。Winthrop，uncomprehending，gazedunconcernedoverGaylor'sshoulder。ThevoiceofVerarosehystericallytoherclimax。
　　"Shebidsmetellyou，"Veracried；"Tellmybrother——"
　　Gaylorswepttowardher。
　　"Whatdamnedfarceisthis？"heshouted。
　　Theeffectoftheinterruptionwasinstantandstartling。Mr。
　　Hallowell，who，inthelastfewminutes，hadbelievedhewaslisteningtoavoicefromthedead，collapsedupontheshoulderofRainey，whosprangtosupporthim。Likeasomnambulistwrenchedfromsleep，Veragaveascreamoffright，halfgenuine，halfassumed，andswayedasthoughabouttofall。Vancecaughtherinhisarms。HeturnedonGaylor，hiscunningredeyesflashingevilly。
　　"Youbrute!"hecried，"youmighthavekilledher。"
　　Betweenhersobs，Vera，herheadupontheshoulderofVance，whisperedaquestion。Asquickly，undercoverofmutteredsympathy，Vanceanswered:"Gaylor。TheJudge。"
　　Stillslightlyswaying，Verastoodupright。Shepassedherhandvaguelybeforehereyes。"WhereamI？"sheaskedfeebly。"WhereamI？"
　　Gaylorshookhisfistatthegirl。
　　"Youknowwhereyouare!"hethundered；"andyouknowwhereyou'regoing——you'regoingtojail!"
　　InthehushthatfollowedVeradrewherselftoherfullheight。
　　SheregardedGaylorwonderingly，haughtily，asthoughheweresomedrunkenintruderfromthestreet。
　　"Areyouspeakingtome？"sheasked。
　　"Yes，toyou，"shoutedthelawyer。"You'reanimposter，andaswindler，and——and——"
　　Winthroppushedbetweenthem。
　　"Yes，andshe'sawoman，"hesaidbriskly。"Ifyouwantarow，talktotheman。"
　　TothispointthescenehadbroughttoVeranoemotionsavetheexcitementthatisfeltbytheonewhoisstrugglingtoescape。
　　Theappearanceofachampionaddedanewinterest。Throughnofaultofherown，shehadlearnedbyexperiencethattotheonemanwhoannoyedhertherealwaysweresixtospringtoherprotection。SotheglanceshecovertlyturneduponWinthropwasonelessofgratitudethancuriosity。
　　Butatthefirstsightofhimthegirlstarted，hereyeslitwithrecognition，herfaceflushed。Andthen，althoughthemanwasinnowayregardingher，hereyesfilled，andinmortificationanddismaysheblushedcrimson。
　　Hisangerstillunsatisfied，GaylorturneduponVance。
　　"Andyou，"hecried；"you'regoingtojailtoo。I'lldrive——"
　　ThevoiceofMr。Hallowell，shakenwithpainanddistress，rosefeebly，beseechingly。"Henry!"hebegged。"Ican'tstandit!"
　　"JudgeGaylor!"thunderedRainey，"Iwon'tberesponsibleifyoukeepthisup。"
　　Withanexclamationofremorse，Verarantothesideoftheoldman。WithRaineyonhisotherhand，sheraisedhimuprightuponhisfeet。
　　"Leanonme，"beggedthegirlbreathlessly。"I'mverystrong。
　　Leanonme。"
　　Mr。Hallowellshookhishead。"No，child，"heprotested，"notyou。"Heturnedtohisoldfriend。"Youhelpme，Henry，"hebegged。
　　Withtheauthorityofthemedicalman，RaineywavedVanceintothebedroom。"Closethosewindows，"heordered。"Youhelpme!"
　　hecommandedofGaylor。"Putyourarmunderhim。"
　　Mr。Hallowell，protestingfeeblyandleaningheavilyuponthetwomen，stumbledintothebedroom，andthedoorwasshutbehindhim。
　　Foramomentthegirlandthemanstoodinsilence，andthen，asthoughsuddenlyconsciousofherpresence，Winthropturnedandsmiled。
　　Thegirldidnotanswerhissmile。Fromundertheshadowofthepicturehatandtheostrichfeathershereyesregardedhimsearchingly，watchfully。
　　Forthefirsttime，Winthrophadthechancetoobserveher。Hesawthatshewasveryyoung，thatherclothescruellydisguisedher，thatshewasonlyachildmasqueradingasabrigand，thatherfacewasdistractinglylovely。Havingnotedthis，thefactthatshehaddrivenseveralgrownmentoabuseandvituperationstruckhimasbeingextremelyhumorous；nordidhetrytoconcealhisamusement。Butthewatchfulnessintheeyesofthegirldidnotrelax。
　　"I'mafraidIinterferedwithyourseance，"saidtheDistrictAttorney。
　　Thegirlregardedhimwarily，likeafencerfixinghereyesonthoseofheropponent。Therewasapausewhichlastedsolongthathadthesilencecontinueditwouldhavebeenrude。"Well，"
　　thegirlreturnedatlast，timidly，"that'swhatthecityexpectsyoutodo，isitnot？"
　　Winthroplaughed。"HowdidyouknowwhoIwas？"heasked，andthenaddedquickly，"Ofcourse，you'reamindreader。"
　　Forthefirsttimethegirlsmiled。Winthropfounditacharmingsmile，wistfulandconfiding。
　　"Idon'thavetoaskthespiritworld，"shesaid，"totellmewhoisDistrictAttorneyofNewYork。"
　　"Yes，"saidtheDistrictAttorney；"yes，Isupposeyouhavetobeprettywellacquaintedwithsomeofthelaws——thoseaboutmediums？"
　　"Ifyouknewasmuchaboutotherlaws，"beganVera，"asIdoaboutthelaw——"Shebrokeoffandagainsmileduponhim。
　　"Thenyouprobablyknow，"saidWinthrop，"thatwhatourexcitedfriendsaidtoyoujustnowislegallyquitetrue？"
　　Thesmilepassedfromthefaceofthegirl。Shelookedattheyoungmanwithfinedisdain，asagreatladymightreprovewithaglancethemanwhosnappedacameraather。"Yes？"sheasked。
　　"Well，whatareyougoingtodoaboutit——arrestme？"Mockinghim，inaburlesqueofmelodrama，sheheldoutherarms。"Don'tputthehandcuffsonme，"shebegged。
　　Winthropfoundherimpudenceamusing；and，withthecharmofhernovelty，hewasconsciousofagrowingconvictionthat，somewhere，theyhadmetbefore；thatalreadyatacrisisshehadcomeintohislife。
　　"Iwon'tarrestyou，"hesaidwithapuzzledsmile，"ononecondition。"
　　"Ah!"mockedVera；"heisgenerous。"
　　"Andtheconditionis，"Winthropwentonseriously，"thatyoutellmewherewemetbefore？"
　　Thegirl'sexpressionbecameinstantlymask-like。Tolearnifhesuspectedwhereitwasthattheyhadmet，shesearchedhisfacequickly。Shewasreassuredthatoftheeventhehadnorealrecollection。
　　"That'sratherdifficult，isn'tit，"shecontinuedlightly，"whenyouconsiderI'vebeengivingexhibitionsofmindreadingsforthelastsixweeksonBroadway，andinthehomesofpeopleyouprobablyknow？"
　　"No，"Winthropexclaimedeagerly，"itwasn'tinatheatre，anditwasn'tinaprivatehouse。Itwas——"heshookhisheadhelplessly，andlookedatherforassistance。"Youdon'tknow，doyou？"
　　Thegirlregardedhimsteadily。"HowshouldI？"shesaid。Andthen，asthoughdecideduponacourseofactionofthewisdomofwhichshewasuncertain，shelaugheduneasily。
　　"Butthespiritswouldknow，"shesaid。"Imightaskthem。"
　　"Do!"criedWinthrop，delightedly。"Howmuchwouldthatbe？"
　　Asthoughtoreprovehisflippancy，thegirlfrowned。Withanervoustremor，whichthistimeseemedgenuineenough，shethrewbackherhead，closedhereyes，andlaidherarmacrossherforehead。
　　Winthrop，unobserved，watchedherwithasmile，partlyofamusement，partlyonaccountofherbeauty，ofadmiration。
　　"Isee——acourtroom，"saidthegirl。"Itisverymeanandbare。ItissomewhereuptheState；inasmalltown。Outside，therearetrees，andthesunisshining，andpeoplearewalkinginapublicpark。Inside，intheprisoner'sdock，thereisagirl。Shehasbeenarrested——fortheft。Shehaspleadedguilty!AndIsee——thatshehasbeenveryill——thatsheisfaintfromshame——andfear——andlackoffood。Andthereisayounglawyer。Heisdefendingher；heisaskingthejudgetobemerciful，becausethisisherfirstoffence，becauseshestolethecloaktogetmoneytotakeherwhereshehadbeenpromisedwork。Becausethisishisfirstcase。"
　　Winthropgaveagaspofdisbelief。
　　"Youdon'tmeantotellme——"hecried。
　　"Hush!"commandedthegirl。"Andhepersuadesthejudgetolethergo，"shecontinuedquickly，hervoiceshaking，"andheandthegirlwalkoutofthecourthousetogether。Andhetalkstoherkindly，andgiveshermoneytopayherwaytothepeoplewhohavepromisedherwork。"
　　Veradroppedherarm，andsteppingback，facedWinthrop。Throughhertearshereyeswereflashingproudly，gratefully；thefeelingthatshookhermadehervoicevibrate。Thegirlseemedproudofhertears，proudofherdebtofgratitude。
　　"AndI'veneverforgottenyou，"shesaid，hervoiceeagerandtrembling，"andwhatyoudidforme。AndI'vewatchedyoucometothiscity，andfightit，andfightit，untilyoumadethemputyouwhereyouare。"Shestoppedtocontrolhervoice，andsmiledathim。"Andthat'swhyIknewyouwereDistrictAttorney，"shesaid；"andplease——"shefumbledinthemeshpurseatherwaistandtakingabillfromit，threwituponthetable。"Andplease，there'sthemoneyIoweyou，and——and——I
　　thankyou——andgoodbye。"Sheturnedandalmostranfromhimtowardthedoortothehall。
　　"Stop!"criedWinthrop。
　　Poisedforflight，thegirlhalted，andlookedback。
　　"WhencanIseeyouagain？"saidtheman。Thetonemadeitlessaquestionthanacommand。
　　Inamannerasdeterminedashisown，thegirlshookherhead。
　　"No!"shesaid。
　　"Imust!"returnedtheman。
　　Againthegirlshookherhead，definitely，finally。
　　"Itwon'thelpyouinyourwork，"shepleaded，"tocometoseeme。"
　　"Imust!"repeatedWinthropsimply。
　　Theeyesofthegirlmethis，appealingly，defiantly。
　　"You'llbesorry，"saidthegirl。
　　Winthroplaughedaneager，boyishlaugh。Whenhespokethetensenessinhisvoicehadgone。Histonewasconfident，bantering。
　　"ThenIwillnotcometoseeyou，"hesaid。
　　Uncertain，puzzled，Veralookedathimindistress。Shethoughthewasmockingher。
　　"No？"shequestioned。
　　"I'llcometoseeVera，themedium，"heexplained。
　　Verafrowned，andthen，inhappyembarrassment，smiledwistfully。
　　"Oh，well，"shestammered；"ofcourse，ifyou'recomingtoconsultmeprofessionally——myhoursarefromfourtosix。"
　　"I'llbethere，"criedtheDistrictAttorney。
　　Veraleanedforwardeagerly。
　　"Whatdaywillyoucome？"shedemanded。
　　"Whatday!"exclaimedtheyoungmanindignantly。"Why，thisday!"
　　Veragaveaguilty，frightenedlaugh。
　　"Oh，willyou？"sheexclaimeddelightedly。Sheclaspedherfingersinagestureofdismay。"Oh，Ihopeyouwon'tbesorry!"
　　shecried。
　　ForsomemomentstheDistrictAttorneyofNewYorkstoodlookingatthedoorthroughwhichshehaddisappeared。
　　PartII
　　ThehomeoftheVanceswasinThirty-fifthStreet，nearlyoppositetheGarrickTheatre。Itwasoneofarowofold-
　　fashionedbrickhouseswithhighsteps。Astheseekeraftertruthenteredthefronthall，hesawbeforehimthestairstothesecondstory；onhisright，thefoldingdoorsofthe"frontparlor，"andatthefarendofthehall，asingledoorthatledtowhatwas，intheolddays，beforethisrowofhouseshadbeenconvertedintooffices，thefamilydiningroom。ToVeratheVanceshadgiventheuseofthisroomasa"receptionparlor。"
　　Thevisitorfirstenteredtheroomonhisright，fromitpassedthroughanotherpairoffoldingdoorstothereceptionparlor，andthen，whenhisaudiencewasatanend，departedbythesingledoortothehall，andso，tothestreet。
　　Thereceptionparlorborebutlittlelikenesstoacaveofmystery。Therewerenoshadedlights，nostuffedalligator，noIndiandraperies，noblackcat。Onatable，inthecentre，underaheavyandhideouschandelierwithbronzegasjets，wasagreenvelvetcushion。Onthisnestledaninnocentballofcrystal。
　　BesideitlaytheivoryknittingneedlewithwhichVerapointedout，inthehandofthevisitor，thoselinesthatshowedhewouldbetwicemarried，wasofanambitioustemperament，andwouldmakeasuccessuponthestage。Inacornerstoodawoodencabinetthatresembledasentryboxonwheels。Itwasfromthis，oncertainevenings，beforeaselectcircleofspiritualists，thatVeraprojectedtheghostsofthedeparted。Hanginginsidethecabinetwasasilver-giltcrownandacloakofblackvelvet，linedwithpurplesilkandcoveredingoldthreadwithsignsofthezodiac。
　　SavethatthesestagepropertiesillustratedthetasteofMabelVance，theroomwasofnointerest。Itheldarubberplant，aredvelvetrockingchair，acrossthebackofwhichMrs。VancehaddrapedaNeapolitanscarf；anuprightpiano，uponwhichEmmanuelDay，or，ashewasknowntothecross-roadsofBroadwayandForty-secondstreet，"Mannie"Day，provokedthemostmarvelousrag-time，anenlargedphotographincrayon，ofProfessorVance，inafrockcoatandlawntie，achinabulldog，coquettishlydecoratedwithabluebow，and，onthemantelpiece，twotallbeersteinsandahandtelephone。FromthelongwindowsoneobtainedaviewoftheironshuttersofthenewdepartmentstoreinThirty-fourthStreet，andofagarden，justlargeenoughtocontainasumachtree，arefrigerator，andthepacking-caseinwhichthepianohadarrived。
　　AfterleavingWinthrop，withoutwaitingforVance，VerahadreturneddirectlytothehouseinThirty-fifthStreet，andlockedherselfinherroom。Andalthough"Mannie"Dayhadalreadyusheredtwovisitorsintothefrontroom，Verahadnotyetcomedownstairs。Inconsequence，MabelVancewasinpossessionofthereceptionparlor。
　　Mrs。Vancewasplump，pink-and-blonde，credulousandvulgar，butatalltimesoftheutmostgoodhumor。HeradmirationforVerawasequaledonlybyheraweofher。Onthisparticularafternoon，althoughitalreadywasafterfiveo'clock，Mrs。
　　Vancestillworeashortdressingsack，openatthethroat，andheavywithsomewhatsoiledlace。Butherblondehairwasfreshly"marcelled，"andhernailspinkandshining。IntheabsenceofVera，shewasmakingasurreptitiousandguiltyuseofthetelephone。Fromthefactthatinherlefthandsheheldthemorningtelegraphopenatthe"previousperformances"ofthehorses，andthatthepagehadbeencruellylaceratedbyahatpin，itwasfairtosupposethatwhoeverwasattheotherendofthewire，wastemptingherwiththeclosingoddsattheraces。
　　Inherspeculations，shewasinterruptedby"Mannie"Day，whoenteredsoftythroughthedoorfromthehall。
　　"Mannie"Daywasayouthoftwenty-four。Itwashisheart'sdesiretobea"Broadwayard。"Hewantedtoknowallofthose，andtobeknownonlybythose，whomovedbetweenthegiantpillarsthatNewYorkthrewintotheskytomarkherprogressNorth。
　　HeknewthesoiledWhiteWayastheoldestinhabitantknowsthesinglestreetofthevillage。HeknewitfromtheRathskellersunderground，totheroofgardensinthesky；inhisfirmamentthestarsweretheelectricadvertisementsoverLongAcreSquare，hismotherearthwasasphalt，thebreathofhisnostrilsgasolene，thetelegraphwashisBible。HisgriefwasthatnooneintheTenderloinwouldtakehimseriously；wouldbelievehimwicked，wise，predatory。Theymightlovehim，theymightlaughwithhim，theymightclamorforhiscompany，innoflatthatcouldboastapiano，washenot，onhisentrance，greetedwithashout；buttherealKnightsoftheHighwaytreatedhimalwaysasthequestioning，wide-eyedchild。Inspiteofhisafter-midnightpallor，inspiteofhishonorablescarsofdissipation，itwashismisfortunetobecursedwithasmilethatwasaperpetualpleaof"notguilty。"
　　"Whatcanyouexpect？"anoutspokenfriend，whomadealivingasawirelesswiretapper，hadoncepointedouttohim。"Thatsmileofyourscouldopenasafe。Itcouldmakeashowgirlgiveupmoney!It'sanalibiforeverythingfromoverspeedingtomurder。"
　　Mannie，ashelistened，flushedwithmortification。Fromthatmomenthedeterminedthathislifeshouldbedevotedtogivingthelietothatsmile，tothatoutwardandvisiblesignofkindness，goodwill，andinnateinnocence。Asyet，hehadnotsucceeded。
　　HeinterruptedMabelatthetelephonetoinquirethewhereaboutsofVera。"There'stwogirlsinthere，now，"hesaid，"waitingtohavetheirfortunesdoped。"
　　"Let'emwait!"exclaimedMabel。"Vera'supstairsdressing。"Inhereyeswasthebalefulglareoftheplunger。"Whatwasthatyougivemeinthethirdrace？"
　　Atthefirsttouchoftherulingpassion，whatinterestManniemayhavefeltfortheimpatientvisitorsvanished。"Notinthethird，"hecorrectedbriskly。"Keeneentrywinthethird。"
　　Mabelappealedbreathlesslytothetelephone。"WhatpricetheKeeneentryinthethird？"SheturnedtoManniewithreproachfuleyes。"Evenmoney!"shecomplained。
　　"That'swhatItoldyou，"retortedMannie。Heloweredhisvoice，andgazedapprehensivelytowardthefrontparlor。"Ifyouwantareallygoodthing，"hewhisperedhoarsely，"askJoewhatPompadourisinthefifth!"Mabellaughedscornfully，disappointedly。
　　"Pompadour!"shemocked。
　　"That'sright!"criedtheexpert。"That'stheonedailyhintfromParistoday。Joewillgiveyouthirtytoone。"
　　Uponthedefenselesswomanheturnedthefullforceofhisaccursedsmile。"Putfiveonforme，Mabel？"hebegged。
　　WithunexpecteddeterminationofcharacterMabeldeclaredsharplythatshewoulddonothingofthesort。
　　"Two，then？"entreatedtheboy。
　　"Where，"demandedMabelunfeelingly，"isthetwentyyouowemenow？"
　　TheabruptnessofthisunsportsmanlikeblowbelowthebeltcausedMannietowince。
　　"HowdoIknowwhereitis？"heprotested。"Aslongasyouhaven'tgotit，whydoyoucarewhereitis？"Heheardthedoorfromthehallopenand，turning，sawVera。Heappealedtoher。
　　"Vera，"hecried，"You'llloanmetwodollars？Istandtowinsixty。I'llgiveyouthirty。"
　　VeralookedinquiringlyatMabel。"Whatisit，Mabel，:"sheasked，"ahandbook？"
　　Mrs。Vancenoddedguiltily。
　　"Mannie!"exclaimedVeragentlybutreproachfully，"ItoldyouI
　　wouldn'tloanyouanymoremoneytillyoupaidMabelwhatyou'veborrowed。"
　　"HowcanIpayMabelwhatIborrowed，"demandedMannie，ifI
　　can'tborrowthemoneyfromyoutopayher？Onlytwodollars，Vera!"
　　VeranoddedtoMabel。
　　Mabel，atthephone，called，"TwodollarsonPompadour——to——
　　win——forMannieDay，"andrangoff。
　　"Thatmakesthirtyforyou，"exclaimedMannieenthusiastically，"andtwentyIowetoMabel，andthatleavesmeten。"
　　Mrs。Vance，nolongeroccupiedinthewhirlpoolofspeculation，forthefirsttimeobservedthatVerahadchangedhermatronlyrobeofblacklaceforashortwhiteskirtandawhiteshirtwaist。ShenotedalsothattherewasachangeinVera'sfaceandmanner。Shegaveanimpressionofnervouseagerness，ofunrest。Hersmileseemedmoreappealing，wistful，girlish。Shelookedlikeachildoffourteen。
　　ButMabelwasconcernedmoreespeciallywiththerobeofvirginwhite。
　　Forthemonth，whichwasJuly，thecostumewasappropriate，but，intheopinionofMabel，innowaysuitedtothepriestessoftheoccultandthemysterious。
　　"Why，Vera!"exclaimedMrs。Vance，"whateverhaveyougoton？
　　Ain'tyougoingtoreceivevisitors？There'stendollarswaitingintherenow。"
　　Insuddenapprehension，Veralookeddownatherspotlessgarments。
　　"Don'tIlooknice？"shebegged。
　　"Ofcourseyoulooknice，dearie，"Mabelassuredher，"butyoudon'tlooklikenofortuneteller。"
　　"Ifyouwanttoknowwhatyoulooklike，"saidManniesternly，"youlooklikeoneofthewaitergirlsatChilds's——that'swhatyoulooklike。"
　　"Andyourcrown!"exclaimedMabel，"andyourkimono。Ain'tyougoingtowearyourkimono？"
　　Shehastenedtothecabinetandproducedthecloakofblackvelvetandspangles，andthesilver-giltcrown。
　　"No，Iamnot!"declaredVera。Sheworethefrightenedlookofamutinouschild。"I——Ilookso——foolishinthem!"
　　SuchheresycausedMannietogaspaloud；"Youlookgrandinthem，"heprotested；"don'tshe，Mabel？"
　　"Sureshedoes，"assentedthatlady。
　　"Andyourjunk？"demandedMannie，referringtothejadenecklaceandthegold-platedbracelets。Hiseyesopenedinsympathy。
　　"Youhaven'tpawnedthem，haveyou？"
　　"Pawnedthem？"laughedVera；"Icouldn'tgetanythingonthem!"
　　Astheonlymasculinepointofviewavailable，sheappealedtoManniewistfully。"Don'tyoulikemebetterthisway，Mannie？"
　　shebegged。
　　Butthatcriticprotestedviolently。
　　"Notabitlikeit，"hecried。"Now，inthegoldtiaraandthespangledoperacloak，"hedifferentiated，"youlooklikeapicturepostalcard!YougotLottaFaust'sblueskirtbacktoLevey's。Butnotinthewhitegoods!"Heshookhisheadsadly，firmly。"Youlook，now，likeyouwasmadeupforaMay-daypicnicintheBronx，andthey'dpickedonyoutobeQueenoftheMay。"
　　Mabelcarriedthemuch-admiredoperacloaktoVera，andhelditout，temptingher。"You'llwearit，justtopleasemeandMannie，won'tyou，dearie？"shebegged。Veraretreatedbeforeitasthoughitheldthegermsofcontagion。
　　"Iwillnot，"sherebelled。"Ihateit!WhenIhavethaton，I
　　feel——mean。IfeelasmeanasthoughIwerepickingpenniesoutofablindman'shat。"Mannieroaredwithdelight。
　　"Gee!"heshouted，"butthat'sahotone。"
　　"Besides，"saidVeraconsciously，"I'm——I'mexpectingsomeone。"
　　ThemannermorethanthewordsthrilledMabelwiththemostjoyfulexpectations。
　　Sheexclaimedexcitedly。"Agentlemanfriend，Vera？"sheasked。
　　ThatVerashunnedallyoungmenhadbeentoMabelasourceofwonderandofpride。Evenwhentheyoungmenwerethefriendsofherhusbandandofherself，thepreoccupiedmannerwithwhichVerareceivedthemdidnotprovokeinMabelanyresentment。Itratherincreasedherapprobation。Althoughhorrifiedattherecklessnessofthegirl，shehadapprovedevenwhenVerarejectedanofferofmarriagefromawineagent。
　　Secretly，foraproperallianceforher，Mabelreadthesocietycolumnsinsearchofeligible，richyoungmen。Findingthattheyinvariablymarriedeligible，richyoungwomen，shehadlatelydeterminedthatVera'sdestinymustbeanEnglishduke。
　　Stillif，asshehoped，Verahadchosenforherself，Mabelfeltassuredthatthemanwouldproveworthy，andagoodmatch。A
　　goodmatchmeantonewhoownednotonlyarunabout，butatouringcar。
　　"It'samanfromhome，"saidVera。"Home？"queriedMannie。
　　"FromuptheState，"explainedVera，"fromGeneva。It's——Mr。
　　Winthrop。"
　　Withanexclamationofalarm，Manniestartedupright。
　　"Winthrop!"hecried；thenwithalaughofreliefhesankback。
　　"Gee!Yougivemeascare，"hecried。"IthoughtyoumeanttheDistrictAttorney。"
　　Mabellaughedsympathetically。
　　"Ithoughtsotoo，"sheadmitted。
　　"IdomeantheDistrictAttorney，"saidthegirl。
　　"Vera!"criedMabel。
　　"Winthrop——cominghere？"demandedMannie。
　　"ImethimatMr。Hallowell'sthismorning，"saidVera。"Didn'tPaultellyou？"
　　"Paulain'tbackyet，"saidMannie。"Iwishhewas!"Hislowerjawdroppedindazedbewilderment。"Winthrop——cominghere？"herepeated。"Andthey'reallcominghere!"heexclaimedexcitedly。
　　"Pauljustphonedme。They'vetakenGaylorinwiththem，andwe'reallworkingtogethernowonsomegamefortonight。AndWinthrop'scominghere!"Heshookhisheaddecidedly，importantly。Astheonlymanofthefamilypresent，hefelthemustmeetthiscrisis。"Paulwon'tstandforit!"hedeclared。
　　"Well，Paulwilljusthavetostandforit!"retortedMrs。
　　Vance。
　　WithamurmurofsympathyshecrossedtoVera。"I'mnotgoingtoseeourVeradisappointed，"sheannounced。"Sheneverseesnocompany。Vera，ifMr。Winthropcomeswhenthatbunchishere，I'llshowhimintothefrontparlor。"
　　Verasatdowninfrontofthepianoandletherfingersdropuponthekeys。Thelookofeagernessandanticipationhadlefthereyes。
　　"Oh，Idon'tknow，"shesaid，"thatIwanttoseehim——now。"
　　Withcompletemisunderstanding，Manniedemandedtruculently，"Whynot？"HisloyaltytoVeragavehimcourage，inherbehalf，tofaceevenaDistrictAttorney。"Hedoesn'tthinkhe'scomingheretomaketroubleforyou，doeshe？"
　　Verashookherheadand，bendingoverthepiano，struckafewdetachedchords。
　　"Oh，no，"shesaidconsciously；"justtoseeme——
　　professionally——likeeverybodyelse。"
　　Mabelcouldnolongerwithholdherindignationattheobtusenessofthemasculineintellect。
　　"Mygracious，Mannie!"sheexclaimed，"can'tyouunderstandhe'scomingheretomakeacallonVera——likeagentleman——notlikenoDistrictAttorney。"
　　Mannieprecipitatelyretreatedfromhispositionaschampion。
　　"Sure，Iunderstand，"heprotested。
　　Withthejoythatamatch-makingmothertakesinthehunt，Mabelsankintotheplushrockingchairand，rockingviolently，turneduponVeraaneagerandexcitedsmile。
　　"ThinkofourVeraknowingMr。Winthropsocially？"sheexclaimed。"It'sgrand!Andtheysayhissistersareelegantladies。LastwinterIreadaboutthemattheopera，anditalwaysprintedwhattheyhadon。Whydidn'tyoutellmeyouknowedhim，Vera？"shecriedreproachfully。"Itellyoueverything!"
　　"Idon'tknowhim，"protestedthegirl。"Iusedtoseehimwhenhelivedinthesametown。"
　　Mabel，invitingfurtherconfidences，ceasedrockingandnoddedencouragingly。"UpinGeneva？"sheprompted。
　　"Yes，"saidVera，"Iusedtoseehimeveryafternoonthen，whenheplayedballonthecollegenine——"
　　"Who？"demandedMannieincredulously。
　　"Winthrop，"saidVera。
　　"Didhe？"exclaimedMannie。Histonesuggestedthathemightstillbepersuadedthattherewasgoodintheman。
　　"What'dheplay？"hedemandedsuspiciously。
　　"First，"saidVera。
　　"Didhe!"exclaimedMannie。Histonenowwasofopenapprobation。
　　Verahadraisedhereyesandturnedthemtowardthewindows。
　　Beyondthesoot-stainedsumachtree，thefireescapesofthedepartmentstore，shesawthesun-drenchedcampus，thebuttressedchapel，theancient，droopingelms；andonacanvasbag，poisedlikeawingedMercury，atallstraightfigureingray，dustyflannels。
　　"Hewasawfullygood-looking，"murmuredthegirl，"andawfullytall。Hecouldstopaballashighas——that!"Sheraisedherarmintheair，andthen，suddenlyconscious，flushed，andturnedtothepiano。
　　"Goon，tellus，"urgedMabel。"SoyoufirstmethiminGeneva，didyou？"
　　"No，"correctedVera，"sawhimthere。I——onlymethimonce。"
　　Mannieinterruptedhilariously。
　　"Ionlysawhimonce，too，"hecried，"thatwasenoughforme。"
　　Veraswiftlyspunthepianostoolsothatshefacedhim。Hereyeswerefilledwithconcern。
　　"You，Mannie!"shedemandedanxiously。"Whathadyoudone？"
　　"Done!"exclaimedMannieindignantly，"nothing!What'dyouthinkI'ddone？DidyouthinkIwasacrook？"
　　Verabowedhershouldersandshiveredasthoughtheboyhadcursedather。Sheshookherheadvehementlyandagainswungbacktothepiano。Stumblingawkwardly，herfingersranoverthekeysinaswiftclatterofbrokenchords。"No，"shewhispered，"no，Mannie，no。"
　　Withalaughofdelightedrecollection，MannieturnedtoMabel。
　　"HeraidedapoolroomIwasworkingat，"heexplained。"HepickedmeoutasasheetwriterbecauseIhadmycoatoff，see？
　　ItoldhimIhaditoffbecauseitwastoohotforme，andhesays，Youngman，ifyoulietome，I'llmakeIadamnsighthotter!"Manniethrewbackhisheadandshouteduproariously。
　　"He'sallright，Winthrop!"hedeclared。
　　Mabel，havingalreadymarriedWinthroptoVerainGraceChurch，withherselfinthefrontpew，inabluesilkdress，receivedthisunexpectedevidenceofhisrarewitwithdelight。Inecstasyofappreciationsheslappedherknees。
　　"Didhesaythat，Mannie？"shecried。"Wasn'tthatquickofhim!
　　DidyouhearwhathesaidtoMannie，Vera？"shedemanded。
　　Theirmirthwasinterruptedbytheopeningandclosingofthefrontdoorand，inthehall，themurmurofmen'svoices。
　　Vanceopenedthedoorfromthehallandentered，followedbyJudgeGaylorandRainey。Withevidentprideinherappearance，Vanceintroducedthetwomentohiswife，andthensentherandManniefromtheroom——thelatterwithorderstodismissthevisitorsinthefrontparlorandtoadmitnoothers。
　　AtthedoorMrs。VanceturnedtoVeraandnoddedmysteriously。
　　"Ifthatpartycalls，"shesaidwithsignificance，"I'llputhiminthefrontparlor。"Withalookofdismay，Veravehementlyshookherheadbut，toforestallanyopposition，Mrs。Vancehastilyslammedthedoorbehindher。
　　InhismostcourteousmannerJudgeGaylorofferedthechairattheheadofthecentretabletoVera，andatthesametableseatedhimself。Vancetookaplaceonthepianostool；Raineystoodwithhisbacktothemantelpiece。
　　"MissVera，"Gaylorbeganimpressively，"Idesiretoapologizeformylanguagethismorning。AsRaineynodoubthastoldyou，I
　　haveopposedyouandProfessorVance。ButI——IknowwhenI'mbeaten。YourinfluencewithMr。Hallowelltoday——isgreaterthanmine。Itisparamount。Icongratulateyou。"Hesmiledingratiatingly。"Andnow，"headded，"weareallworkinginunison。"
　　"You'vegivenupyourideaofsendingmetojail，"saidVera。
　　"Vera!"exclaimedVancereprovingly。JudgeGaylorhasapologized。We'reallinharmonynow。"
　　"Isthatdoorlocked？"askedGaylor。Vancetoldhim，saveMrs。
　　Vance，Mannie，andthemselves，therewasnoneinthehouse；andthathemightspeakfreely。
　　"MissVera，"begantheJudge，"weleftMr。Hallowellverymuchimpressedwiththemessageyougavehimthismorning。Themessagefromhisdeadsister。Hewantsanothermessagefromher。
　　Hewantshertodecidehowheshalldisposeofaverylargesumofmoney——hisentirefortune。"
　　"Hisentirefortune!"exclaimedVera。"Doyouimagine，"sheasked，"thatMr。Hallowellwilltakeadvicefromthespiritworldaboutthat？Idon't!"
　　"Ido，"Gayloransweredstoutly，"IknowIwould。"
　　"You？"askedVeraincredulously。
　　"IfIcouldbelievemysistercamefromthedeadtotellmewhattodo，"saidthelawyer，"ofcourse，I'ddoit。I'dbeafraidnotto。ButIdon'tbelievehedoes。Andhebelievesyoucanbringhissisterherselfbeforehim。Heinsiststhattonightyouholdaseanceinhishouse，andthatyoumaterializethespiritofhisdeadsister。Sothathecanseehissister，andtalkwithhissister。Vancesaysyoucandothat。Canyou？"
　　FromVera'sfacethelookofgirlishness，ofhappyanticipation，hadalreadydisappeared。
　　"Itismybusinesstodothat，"thegirlanswered。SheturnedtoVanceand，inamatter-of-factvoice，inquired，"Whatdoeshissisterlooklike——thatphotographweusedthismorning。？"
　　"No，"Vanceanswered。"I'veabetterone，Raineygaveme。Takenwhenshewasolder。Haswhitehairandacapandakerchiefcrossed——so。"Hedrewhishandsacrosshisshoulders。"Rainey，showMissVerathatpicture。"
　　"Notnow，"Gaylorcommanded。"TheimportantthingnowisthatMissVeraunderstandsthemessageMr。Hallowellistoreceivefromhissister。"
　　Thetwoothermennoddedquicklyinassent。GaylorturnedtoVera。Hespokeslowly，earnestly。
　　"MissVera，"hesaid，"Mr。Hallowell'spresentwillleaveshisfortunetohisniece。Hehasmadeanotherwill，whichhehasnotsigned，leavinghisfortunetotheHallowellInstitute。Hewillaskhissistertowhichoftheseheshouldleavehismoney。Youwilltellhim——"hecorrectedhimselfinstantly。"Shewilltellhimtogiveitwhereitwillbeofthegreatestgoodtothemostpeople——totheInstitute。"Therewasapause。"Doyouunderstand？"heasked。
　　"TotheInstitute。Nottotheniece，"Veraanswered。Gaylornoddedgravely。
　　"What，"askedVera，"arethefewestwordsinwhichthatmessagecouldbedelivered？Imean——shouldshesay，YouaretoendowtheHallowellInstitute，orBrother，youaretogive——Signthenewwill？"Withsatisfactionthegirlgaveasharpshakeofherhead，andnoddedtoVance。"Destroytheoldwill。Signthenewwill。Thatisthebest，"shesaid。
　　"That'sitexactly，"Gaylorexclaimedeagerly；"that'sexcellent!"Thenhisfaceclouded。"Ithink，"hesaidinatroubledvoice，"weshouldwarnMissVera，thattoguardhimselffromanytrickery，Mr。Hallowellinsistsonsubjectinghertothemostseveretests。He——"
　　"Thatwillbeallright，"saidthegirl。SheturnedtoVanceand，inalowertonebutwithoutinterest，asked:"What，forinstance？"Vancemerelylaughedandshruggedhisshoulders。Thegirlsmiled。Nettled，andalarmedatwhatappearedtobetheiroverconfidence，Gaylorobjectedwarmly。
　　"That'sallverywell，"hecried，"butforinstance，heinsiststhattheentiretimeyouareinthecabinet，youholdahandfulofflourinonehandandofshotintheother"——heillustratedwithclenchedfists——"whichmakesitimpossible，"heprotested，"foryoutouseyourhands。"
　　Thefaceofthegirlshowedcompleteindifference。
　　"Notnecessarily，"shesaid。
　　"Butyouaretobetiedhandandfoot，"criedtheJudge。"Andontopofthat，"heburstforthindignantly，pointingaggrievedlyatVance，"hehimselfproposedthisflour-and-shottest。Itwassilly，senselessbravado!"
　　"Notnecessarily，"repeatedthegirl。"HeknewthatIinventedit。"Raineylaughed。Gaylorgaveanexclamationofenlightenment。
　　"Ifitwillbeofanycomforttoyou，Judge，"saidVance，"I'lltellyouonething；everytestthateverwasputtoamedium——
　　wasinventedbyamedium。"
　　Verarose。"Ifthereisnothingmore，"shesaid，"Iwillgoandgetthethingsreadyforthisevening。Destroytheoldwill。
　　Signthenewwill。"sherepeated。SheturnedsuddenlytoVance，herbrowdrawninconsideration。"Isupposebythisnewwill，"
　　sheasked，"thegirlgetsnothing？""Notatall!"exclaimedGayloremphatically。"Wedon'twanthertofightthewill。Shegetsamillion。"
　　"Amilliondollars？"demandedVera。Foraninstant，asthoughtryingtograspthepossibilitiesofsuchasum，shestoodstaringaheadofher。Withdoubtinhereyes，andshakingherhead，sheturnedtoVance。
　　"Howcanonewomanspendamilliondollars？"sheprotested。
　　"Well，yousee，wedon'tintendtostarveher，"exclaimedGayloreagerly，"andatthesametimetheInstitutewillbebenefitingallhumanity。Doinggoodto——"
　　Verainterruptedhimwithasharp，peremptorymovementofthehand。
　　"Wewon'tgointothat，please，"shebegged。
　　TheJudgeinclinedhishead。"Ionlymeanttopointout，"hesaidstiffly，"thatyouaregivingMr。Hallowellthebestadvice，anddoinggreatgood。"
　　Foramomentthegirllookedathimsteadily。Onherlipswasafaintsmileofdisdain，butwhetherforhimorforherself，theJudgecouldnotdetermine。
　　"Idon'tknowthat，"thegirlsaidfinally。"Idon'task。"SheturnedtoRainey。"Haveyouthatphotograph？"Hegaveheraphotographandafter，foraninstant，studyingitinsilence，shereturnedittohim。
　　"Itwillbequiteeasy，"shesaidtoVance。Shewalkedtothedoor，andinstinctivelythetwomen，whowereseated，rose。
　　"IwillseeyoutonightatMr。Hallowell's，"shesaid，and，withanod，leftthem。
　　"Well，"exclaimedRainey，"youdidn'ttellher!"
　　"Iknow，"Vanceanswered。"Idecidedwe'dbewisertotakeadvicefrommywife。SheunderstandsVerabetterthanIdo。"Heopenedthedoortothehall，andcalled"Mannie!TellMabel——Oh，Mabel，"hecorrected，"comehereaminute。"Hereturnedtohisseatonthepianostool。"Shecantellus，"hesaid。
　　InexpectationofthearrivalofWinthrop，Mrs。Vancehadarrayedherselfinalightbluefrock，and，asthoughshehadjustcomeinfromthestreet，insuchahatassheconsideredwoulddocreditnotonlytoVerabuttoherself。
　　"Mabel，"herhusbandbegan，"we'reupagainstahardproposition。HallowellinsiststhatWinthropandMissCoatesmustcometotheseancetonight。"
　　"WinthropandMissCoates!"criedMabel。InastonishmentsheglancedfromherhusbandtoRaineyandGaylor。"Then，it'salloff!"sheexclaimed。
　　"That'swhatIsay，"growledRainey。
　　"Wewantyoutotellus，"continuedVance，unmoved，"whetherVerashouldknowthatnow，orwaituntiltonight？"
　　"PaulVance!"almostshriekedhiswife，"doyoumeantotellmeyou'rethinkingofgivingamaterializationinfrontoftheDistrictAttorney!You'recrazy!"
　　"That'swhatItellthem，"chorusedRainey。
　　Gaylorraisedhishandforsilence。
　　"No，Mrs。Vance，"hesaidwearily。"Wearenotcrazy，but，"headdedbitterly，"wecan'thelpourselves。YoumediumshavegotMr。Hallowellinsuchastatethathe'llonlydowhathissister'sspirittellshim。Hesays，ifhe'srobbinghisniece，hissisterwilltellhimso；ifhe'stogivethemoneytotheInstitute，hissisterwilltellhimthat。Hesays，ifVanceisfairandabove-board，heshouldn'tbeafraidtohavehisnieceandanyfriendsofherspresent。Wecan'thelpourselves。"
　　"Ihelpedalittle，"saidVance，"byinsistingonhavingourownfriendsthere——toldhimthespiritcouldnotmaterializeunlesstherewerebelieverspresent。"
　　"Didhestandforthat？"askedMabel。
　　"Gladtohavethem，"herhusbandassuredher。"Theyliketothinkthereareothersasfoolishastheyare。AndI'mgoingtoplaceMr。DistrictAttorney，"hebrokeoutsuddenlyandfiercely，"betweentwomediums。They'llholdhishands!"
　　Alreadyfrightenedbythepossibleresultoftheplot，Rainey，withavehemencebornoffear，retortedsharply:"Holdhishands!How'reyougoingtomakehimholdhistongue，afterward？"
　　Gaylorturneduponhimsavagely。
　　"MyGod，man!"hecried，"we'renottryingtopersuadetheDistrictAttorneythathe'sseenaghost。IfyourfriendscanpersuadeStephenHallowellthathe'sseenone，theDistrictAttorneycangotothedevil!"
　　"Well，hewon't!"returnedRainey，"he'llgotolaw!"
　　"Lethim!"criedGaylordefiantly。"GetHallowelltosignthatwill，andI'llgointocourtwithhim。"
　　Hisbravadowassuddenlyattackedfromanunexpectedsource。
　　"You'llgointocourtwithhim，allright，"declaredMrs。Vance，"allofyou!Andifyoudon'twanthimtocatchyou，"shecried，"you'llclearout，now!He'scominghereanyminute。"
　　"Who'scominghere？"demandedherhusband。
　　"Winthrop，"returnedhiswife，"toseeVera。"
　　"ToseeVera!"criedVanceeagerly。"Whatabout？Aboutthismorning？"
　　"No，"protestedMabel，"tocallonher。He'sanoldfriend——"
　　InalarmRaineypushedintothegroupofnowthoroughlyexcitedpeople。"Don'tyoubelieveit!"hecried。"Ifhe'scominghere，he'scomingtogiveherthethirddegree——"
　　Thedoorfromthehallsuddenlyopened，wasassuddenlyclosed，andMannieslippedintotheroom。Onehandheheldupforsilence；withtheotherhepointedatthefoldingdoors。
　　"Hush!"hewarnedthem。"He'sinthere!Hesayshe'scometocallonVera。Shesayshe'scomeprofessionally，andImustbringhiminhere。I'veshutthedoorintotheparlor，andyoucanslipupstairswithouthisseeingyou。"
　　"Upstairs!"gaspedRainey，"notforme!"HeappealedtoGaylorinaccentsofrealalarm。"Wemustgetawayfromthishouse，"hedeclared。"Ifhefindsushere——"Withagestureofdismayhetossedhishandsintheair。Gaylornodded。Insilenceall，saveMannie，movedintothehall，andhaltedbetweentheouterandinnerdoorsofthevestibule。GaylorturnedtoVance。"Areyougoingtotellher，"heasked，"thatheistobetheretonight？"
　　"He'lltellherhimself，now!"
　　"No，"correctedRainey，"hedoesn'tknowyetthere'stobeaseance。Hallowellwaswritingthenotewhenheleft。"
　　"Then，"instructedGaylor，"donotletherknowuntilshearrives——untilitwillbetoolateforhertobackout。"
　　Vancenoddedand，waitinguntilfromthebackroomheheardthevoicesofMannieandWinthrop，heopenedthefrontdoorandthetwomenrandownthestepsintothestreet。
　　Whiletheconspiratorswerehiddeninthevestibule，Manniehadopenedthefoldingdoors，andinvitedWinthroptoenterthereceptionparlor。
　　"MissVerawillbedowninaminute，"hesaid。"Ifyouwantyourhandread，"headded，pointing，"yousitoverthere。"
　　AsWinthropapproachedthecentretable，Manniebackedagainstthepiano。ThepresenceoftheDistrictAttorneyatsuchshortrangearousedinhimmanyemotions。Alternatelyhewastornwithalarm，withadmiration，withcuriosity。Heregardedhimapprehensively，withanervousandunhappysmile。
　　AboutthesmiletherewassomethingthatWinthropfoundfamiliar，and，withonealmostasattractive，heansweredit。
　　"Ithinkwe'vemetbefore，haven'twe？"heaskedpleasantly。
　　Mannienodded。"Yes，sir，"heansweredpromptly。"AtSamHepner'soldplace，onWestForty-fourthstreet。"
　　"Why，ofcourse!"exclaimedtheDistrictAttorney。
　　"Don'tyou——don'tyouremember？"stammeredMannieeagerly。Hewasdeeplyconcernedlestthedistinguishedcross-examinershouldthink，thatfromhimofhisluridpasthecouldwithholdanything。"Ihadmycoatoff——andyousaidyou'dmakeithotforme。"
　　"DidI？"askedWinthropwithaneffortatrecollection。
　　"No，youdidn't!"Manniehastenedtoreassurehim。"Imean，youdidn'tmakeithotforme。"
　　Winthroplaughed，andseatedhimselfcomfortablybesidethecentretable。WellI'mgladofthat，"hesaid。"Soourrelationsarestillpleasant，then？"heasked。
　　"Sure!"exclaimedMannieheartily。"Imean——yes，sir。"
　　Winthropmechanicallyreachedforhiscigarettecase，andthen，recollecting，withdrewhishand。
　　"Andhowaretheponiesrunning？'heasked。