long, though," she said. "She doesn't look strong----"

"Frances! For God's sake!"

"Well, what of it? Why shouldn't I wish her gone? The
harm--the harm! Do you remember that Swedish maid I
had--a great fair woman? One day she was stung by a
green fly, and in a week she was dead, her whole body a
mass of corruption! Oh, God lets such things be done!
Nothing but a green fly----" She shook off Clara's hold,
drawing her breath with difficulty. "That is Lisa. It
is George that is being poisoned, body and soul. It's a
pity to see my boy killed by a thing like that--it's a
pity----"

Miss Vance was too frightened to argue with her. She
brought her wrapper, loosened her hair, soothing her in
little womanish ways. But her burning curiosity drove
her presently to ask one question.

"How can they live?"

"I have doubled his allowance."

"Frances! You will work harder to make money for Lisa
Arpent?"

"Oh, what is money!" cried Frances, pushing her away
impatiently.