Caramel and ices had done their utmost, and now the witch became the absorbing interest. And as those who came back from the witch s den, it was found, would tell nothing of what had transpired there, the interest was kept up at white heat. First one went, and then another. Of course the young people of the household were the last.
The witch's den, when Norton entered it, was a place he did not recognize; though in reality it was manufactured out of the little corner reception room. Dark drapery enclosed and mystified the space into which he was admitted; the light came from he could not see where, and was dim enough too; and the witch was not to be seen. Nor, distinctly, anything else. Norton took his stand as he had been directed in front of a dark curtain and waited. The first question demanded his name, and when that had been answered the voice went on,—
"What do you want of the witch?"
"That depends on what she can do," said Norton.
"Power unlimited."
"Then I wish she would cast a spell upon Mrs. Lloyd."
"To what effect?"
"That she would let me have the little corner attic room for a greenhouse."
"How would you warm it?"
"It wouldn't want much more warming than it has now. A gas stove would do, I think."