"Yes, it's the country," said John Rawn. "We're all going a swift pace, men and women both. I don't blame you. I understand you. Now I know what you want." "What do you mean?" "You want just about what _I_ want." "But, Mr. Rawn--" "It's the same thing--it's _power_ that you want, just as I do. I feel it in the air when I come near you. You feel the same way when you come near me!" She nodded rapidly, her eyes narrowing. "Yes, it's true!" she said. "That's true." "You want to have it within your ability to influence men, just as I do, don't you, Miss Delaware? That's what was in your soul when you stood before your mirror there when I came in, wasn't it, Miss Delaware? You want to win, to succeed, to triumph, don't you, Miss Delaware--you've got _ambition_? Wasn't that your dream--isn't that what you were imagining, as you stood there and looked in your glass?" "Yes, yes, it's true, I know it!" she admitted panting. "I know it, my God! yes, I can't help it! But what chance have I?" "All sorts of chances, my dear girl. I don't make mistakes. I told you this is a business proposition. Now, then, tell me, why did you tog out this way?" "I did it because I had to. I told you I couldn't help it. It was in my blood to-night!" "Any man waiting anywhere, Miss Delaware?" "On my word, no! I wasn't even going downstairs. But I told you I was mad to be in that crowd, where the rich people are. I wanted to hear the music, I wanted to see them--I wanted to pretend for one night that I was a part of it all!" "You wanted to win--you coveted power! Is it not true?" "Yes!" she blazed fiercely. And indeed at that moment the room seemed full of some large influence, moving, throbbing all about them. VIII "I wanted that," the girl admitted. "All the world does!" "I suppose you wanted to see some strong man fall on his knees and beg of you?" "Yes." "I am sorry, my dear, but I'll not do that. But I understand. So you searched out these glad rags and tried yourself out before the mirror there! Very good! You'll do! Believe me--or ask any man in all this city." She nodded rapidly. "Yes, you know it, now." "Now, you're no more mad than I am," said John Rawn. "You're as cool-headed as I am, if I know women at all. We think alike. You're young. I'm young enough. Where'd you get that gown?" "I had it made--in an alley, in the city back home. It cost as much as I could afford. Thirty dollars!" She flung out the words scornfully. "It looks three hundred; and I've seen worse below to-night that probably cost three thousand. But it's not yet quite complete--your costume." "It was the best I had. You ought not to taunt me. I stood here facing myself. I felt disappointed, bitter! Yes, I'll admit that."