"I don't mean," said Freeling, "that we are to use the money. Let
the shawl, or the diamond, or the what-not, be bought and paid for.
We get the discounts for your use, not ours."

"All very well," answered Mrs. Dinneford; "but how is that going to
help you?"

"Leave that to me. You get the notes," said Freeling.

"Never walk blindfold, Mr. Freeling," replied the lady, drawing
herself up, with a dignified air. "We ought to understand each other
by this time. I must see beyond the mere use of these notes."

Freeling shut his mouth tightly and knit his heavy brows. Mrs.
Dinneford watched him, closely.

"It's a desperate expedient," he said, at length.

"All well as far as that is concerned; but if I am to have a hand in
it, I must know all about it," she replied, firmly. "As I said just
now, I never walk blindfold."

Freeling leaned close to Mrs. Dinneford, and uttered a few sentences
in a low tone, speaking rapidly. The color went and came in her
face, but she sat motionless, and so continued for some time after
he had ceased speaking.

"You will get the notes?" Freeling put the question as one who has
little doubt of the answer.