Grimsby lighted another cigarette, crossed his legs, and smoked contentedly. He was quite satisfied, so could afford to take his time. This woman's trouble was nothing to him, and no accusing conscience worried him in the least degree. He was past all that.
"I shall not tell, madame," he at length replied, "that is, providing you make it worth while."
"In what way, Gabriel? What can I do to obtain your silence?"
"There is only one thing that will perform the charm. It has seldom failed. I believe it is still powerful to silence tongues. It will keep mine still, at any rate. Is it hard to guess what that is? You should know of all women, for it proved effective twenty years ago."
Mrs. Hampton started, and looked keenly into the face of the man before her.
"Do you mean money?" she asked. "Is that what will silence your tongue?"
"Ah, I am glad that you have guessed it, madame. It will save unnecessary talk. Yes, it is money, for it is money I need more than anything else."
"Gabriel Grimsby! I cannot believe this of you. I always considered you a man above such things. Are you willing to take money for keeping silent? Would you not be afraid to use it?"
"Afraid! Of what, pray?"
"Of what might happen. Money obtained in such a way never does any good."