“I don’t mind telling you everything.” And she went on to tell him these things which she had thought out more definitely during her solitary days. “My general plans are what they have been since I married. My main purpose at present is to keep Jack going straight--until through my influence he shall have become established as a responsible business man; this I expect to be an achievement for which I shall secure acknowledgment and which will win Mr. Morton’s favor. And then, a little later, after I have established myself with them, and have been openly before the public as Jack’s wife, I shall tell them just who I am and what I have done.” “And having done that, what do you think will happen?” “I shall have proved to them that I am the one person who can hold Jack to the job of being a man; and I shall have proved to them that, despite my being Mary Regan, I can make a figure as a woman that Jack and his father will be proud of before the world. That is my plan.” The calculating worldliness of her frank scheme was amazing. Here was the strangest part of their recent relationship--she had made it a point always to show him her most worldly side. “I see,” said Clifford. “But there are a few difficulties. How about the older Morton and his urgent invitation to a cruise for two passengers among the West Indies?” “So long as I can keep in hiding, that’s not a pressing problem. And if somehow he learns where I am, I shall be evasive; I can manage that.” “And Peter Loveman, if he finds you are here?” “I can handle Peter Loveman,” she replied confidently; and then added: “Not long ago he wanted me to give up my plan concerning Jack. In fact he threatened me.” “Why?” Clifford asked quickly. “He said I could not possibly succeed. Also there was something else he wanted me to do.” “And you replied to him?” “I told him I was going straight ahead. And I showed him that I was stronger than he was. He then suddenly became pleasant again, said his threat had been only a joke. If I called the turn on him once, I guess I can call it again if necessary.” Clifford made mental note of this threat. “Let’s come back to Jack. Would you mind being more explicit why, and in what way, you want me to help?” “All my chances of success are based upon making a man of Jack. As matters now stand, it would ruin everything if I were to see him often. Jack is very susceptible to the influence of the people immediately around him--and if I dare not see him, how can I influence him? That is my supreme difficulty.” “I see,” said Clifford. “Just there is where I want you to help me. Jack likes you. I want you to see a lot of him--help keep him working--help keep him straight.” Clifford stared at her. Her calm audacity was almost unbelievable--and yet it was just like Mary Regan. “I’ll help you,” he said after a moment. “Is there any special source of danger you fear?”