"Will that be often?"
"I think not. I have a better card to play than Mrs. Braham. I only want her to help me to find certain people. Shall we say twelve o'clock to-morrow?"
The lawyer called on Mrs. Braham, and after an agitated and tearful interview, persuaded her to keep the appointment.
"Consider," said he, "what you gain by making our office the place of meeting. Establish that at once. It's a point of defense."
The meeting took place in the lawyer's private room, and Mrs. Braham was so overcome that she nearly fainted. Then she was hysterical, and finally tears relieved her.
When she came to this point, Monckton, who had looked upon the whole exhibition as a mere preliminary form observed by females, said,
"Come, Lucy, don't be silly. I am not here to spoil your little game, but to play my own. The question is, will you help me to make my fortune?"
"Oh, that I will, if you will not break up my home."
"Not such a fool, my dear. Catch me killing a milk-cow! You give me a percentage on your profits, and I'm dumb."
"Then all you want is more money?"