"And I suppose they've got a rabbit hutch, and a monkey, and some white mice?"
"Not quite. But they've got a nice place. Want to go out with me next Saturday and see 'em?"
"I do not. I'm not interested in menageries. I never expect to cross the threshold."
Quin pulled up the cape that had slipped from her shoulder, and adjusted it carefully.
"When Mr. Ranny comes in to see you," he said, "I hope you won't ball him out right away. He's awful keen on this stunt, you know. It sort of takes the place of the things he has given up."
Madam glared straight ahead of her for a few moments, then she said curtly:
"I'll not mention it until he does."
"Oh, but I want you to. He's as nervous as a witch about how you are going to take it. You see, he thinks more of your opinion than he does of anybody's, and he wants your approval. If you could jump right in and say you think it's a bully idea, and that you are coming out to see what he has done, and——"
"Do you want me to lie?" Madam demanded fiercely.
"No," said Quin, laughing; "I am trying to warm you up to the project now, so you won't have to lie." Then, seeing her face relax a little, he leaned toward her and said in his most persuasive tone: