"There is a good deal of money at stake, Miss Baxter, and our reputation
as a newspaper as well. I think I should know what you propose to do."

"Certainly. I propose to obtain for you an accurate description of the
ball, written by one who was present."

The editor gave utterance to a sort of interjection that always served
him in place of a laugh.

"In other words, you want neither interference nor advice."

"Exactly, Mr. Hardwick. You know from experience that little good comes
of talking too much of a secret project not yet completed."

The editor drummed with his fingers on the table for a few moments
thoughtfully.

"Very well, then, it shall be as you say. I should have been very glad
to share the responsibility of failure with you; but if you prefer to
take the whole risk yourself, there is nothing more to be said. The
thousand pounds shall be placed to your credit at once. What next?"

"On the night of the ball I should like you to have three or four expert
shorthand writers here; I don't know how many will be necessary--you
understand more about that than I do; but it is my intention to dictate
the report right along as fast as I can talk until it is finished, and
I don't wish to be stopped or interrupted, so I want the best
stenographers you have; they are to relieve one another just as if
they were taking down a parliamentary speech. The men had better be in
readiness at midnight; I shall be here as soon after that as possible.