She paused, as if to contemplate a fresh idea. Then: “I shall need concentration to satisfy Your Lowness’ hopes of me and concentration will come easier with not the humblest of my ex-suitors to distract. General Cummings was a deserter on Earth and, as you yourself said, once a deserter always. Him, as well as John Cabot, you may treat with fuller effect after The Day. Why not send the old nuisance along? And there is one other of whom I should like to be rid.”
“Who, pray, may this other be?”
“My babe.”
Satan showed himself assailable by surprise. “Not the Littlest Devil? Now you have spoiled your argument. I can’t believe——”
“You will when I explain. Ineffectual looking as is my child, she interferes with my whole-heartedness for evil. She rouses soft feelings in me—impulses to protect the weak and helpless. I’ll find it hard to live down even the thought of her. To see her daily is a detriment. Focus that imagination of yours, Pluto. Try to realize what you often must have heard, that mother-love is the most enduring influence in the universe.”
“That’s one thing I’ve never been—a mother. Wish I had. I’d have given birth to some rare wastrels.” He grinned at the thought.
“Don’t you see my argument? You will grant the favor I ask? I dislike to plead as much as you, but I make this a plea. Give me a chance in the one sincerity of my life.”
“Your one sincerity?”
He bent low to catch her murmured reproach.
“That you should need to ask! I, too, feel that I have my one chance in you. If you are not strong enough to compel me——”