"Bailey? O, no," answered Gertrude. He had been devoted to her so many years, she felt an almost proprietary interest in him. She felt that she might have married Armstrong any time within the last ten years. "Bailey is always interested in people I like," she went on. "And I certainly do like Mary. I don't know what I could do without her. The work brings the two in close consultation often, you know." She did not see the lifting of Jessica's dainty eye-brows as she turned to say good-night. And it was well she did not see Bailey when he said good-bye to Mary a little later. The next morning Vickery came to see her again. "Weren't expecting to see me so soon, perhaps?" he asked as he drew close to her desk. "But I thought I'd drop in and see what you've decided on,--or if you've decided on anything. How is it? Coming in with us?" "There are still some points I want to question you about," said the Mayor. "Minnie, will you give us the room, free from interruption a few minutes? Thank you. Now, Mr. Vickery, will you go over your proposition again?" The man did so, explaining the advantages and necessities of the desired franchise with many words. She asked an occasional question, cautiously and with apparent lack of intelligence, and even at the close of their talk he doubted if she understood half of what he had been saying. "You want to remember," he concluded, "that we have good men behind the scheme. There is plenty of money, and we are prepared to put some of it where it will do the most good." He waited significantly, but she did not seem to understand. What could be expected of a woman, in matters of this kind. "As I said the other day, there will be a nice little slice of stock for you,--and $20,000 besides for you, or for your pet charity," he urged, to put the thing more plainly before her. "But if we were to get found out?" she asked. "If it were to be known--might we not get into trouble?" "Huh! no danger of that," laughed Vickery. "The aldermen are all in it--we can manage the common council--that is, if you come with us. And Armstrong will be sure to come in, if you do." "Hadn't I better talk this over with the chairman of the board of aldermen?" asked Gertrude. "You might," assented Vickery. "Still,--in matters of this kind, it is better to do as little talking as possible." "But how am I to be sure they are in it?" The Mayor seemed to hesitate. "I do not want to do any unnecessary talking--but how do I know this is not all a trap, to catch me?" "More astute than I gave her credit for being," said Vickery to himself. Then aloud: "My dear lady!--but I realize your position--yes, and I respect it. If I give you proof, actual figures,--will you believe me then?" "Yes, I'll believe you then," said Gertrude. "Then suppose I come again this afternoon," urged the man. "I'll have the memoranda of the figures with me." "Very well. Come at three," answered Gertrude. "I will have the way clear by then."