"Sure. Our friend has proved a disappointment in the talking line."
For a moment a flash of enthusiasm burned in her eyes.
"The persecution has failed then?"
"It's early to say so but we've a notion it 'ud do no harm to accelerate a trifle."
"You'd hardly dare torture him more than you've done already."
"We thought of trying out one or two new effects but supposing they fail then it's up to you to take a hand."
"No," said Auriole, "no. You found me a failure before—let's leave it at that. My part's ended."
"Haven't you kind o' forgotten something?"
"What?"
"My offer to you was made providing we pull off this deal. Failing that it's cancelled."