'Yes, everything hung on concealment. It must have looked quite simple to you. You didn't know the ghost of a child that had never seen the light, the frail thing you meant to sweep aside and forget'—she was on her feet—'have swept aside and forgotten!—you didn't know it was strong enough to push you out of my life.' With an added intensity, 'It can do more!' she said. She leaned over his bowed figure and whispered, 'It can push that girl out!' As again she stood erect, half to herself she added, 'It can do more still.'
'Are you threatening me?' he said dully.
'No, I am preparing you.'
'For what?'
'For the work that must be done. Either with your help or that girl's.'
The man's eyes lifted a moment.
'One of two things,' she said—'either her life, and all she has, given to this new Service; or a ransom if I give her up to you.'
'I see. A price. Well——?'
She looked searchingly at him for an instant, and then slowly shook her head.