"Then why have you come here to-night to inflict this torture upon me?
What good can it do to increase the agony of my tormented soul? Surely
I have endured enough already."

"I come, madame, merely as a stand-between. Business with me has been
dull of late, as I have just told you. Therefore, when one door closes
another opens. I am not a man to let a good opportunity of earning a
few honest dollars slip. I know your story, and, accordingly, am here
to receive payment."

"Payment! For what?" the woman asked in amazement.

"For silence. I suppose you don't want this matter known?"

"Good heavens, no! What would my husband and daughter think? Why, I
could never face the world again."

"Very well, madame. I am pleased to know that you realise the
situation," and the man smiled blandly upon his victim. He was
succeeding much better than he had expected. "I shall see that this
matter is kept a profound secret."

"Oh, will you?" and the woman looked her relief.

"Indeed I will, providing you make it worth while. I am always open
for business."

The woman looked keenly at the man.