the stronger party. There's the alternative. If you once saw her--"

"But that's what I'm not willing to do. If I once saw her I
should yield to her importunities and attempt the seemingly
impossible. My instincts bid me say no. Give me something
easier."

"Easier things are not so remunerative. There's money in this
affair, if the insurance company is forced to pay up. I can offer
you--"

"What?"

There was eagerness in the tone despite her effort at
nonchalance. The other smiled imperceptibly, and briefly named
the sum.

It was larger than she had expected. This her visitor saw by the
way her eyelids fell and the peculiar stillness which, for an
instant, held her vivacity in check.

"And you think I can earn that?"

Her eyes were fixed on his in an eagerness as honest as it was
unrestrained.

He could hardly conceal his amazement, her desire was so evident
and the cause of it so difficult to understand. He knew she
wanted money--that was her avowed reason for entering into this
uncongenial work. But to want it so much! He glanced at her