The man looked at her in slow inquiry.
"Oh, I know you are surprised," she added, quickly. "I know this seems unusual—" She paused in momentary hesitation.
The Mystic appeared distressed.
"My—my duty—" he broke in, uneasily. "My duty is to—"
But she checked him suddenly.
"Charity is greater than duty!" she said, in a low, impressive tone. By the same feminine intuition that had made her discard her purse, she saw that by a semi-mystical appeal—and by that alone—could she hope to succeed. Laying her hands upon the Sanctuary railing, she leaned forward, and raised her large eyes to the man's face.
"Which do you consider the greater virtue?" she asked. "Duty or charity?"
The Mystic looked at her.