"It is a most cold-blooded extortion," he said; "but you shall have
it. And at your peril you ever interfere with my adopted daughter
afterward."

He signed the check and flung it to the manager, turned and went out,
and left that individual staring in blank bewilderment.

Golden-haired Mollie was pacing impatiently up and down the parlor when
Mr. Walraven walked in again, his face aglow with triumph.

"It is all right, Mollie. I told you I was more than a match for your
manager. You have trod the boards for the last time."

"Excuse me, Mr. Walraven; I am going to tread the boards again to-night.
It is Cricket still. Don't you want to be enchanted once more?"

"Just as you please. Once is neither here now there. But you will be
ready for the eight A.M. train to-morrow, Mollie?"

"I have promised, Mr. Walraven, and I always keep my word. So Mr.
Harkner has consented? Now, that is not flattering, is it? What winning
ways you must possess to make all the world do as you say!"

Mr. Walraven held up his purse, gold shining through its silken meshes.

"Behold the magic key to every heart, Cricket! Here, you shall be my
purse-bearer now."

He tossed it into her lap. Mollie's blue eyes sparkled. She was only