"Let her come in," said Granthope, rising. "I’ve said all that’s necessary at present, and if you decide to do what I want, we can talk it over later." The doctor grudgingly admitted her. She tottered in and took the chair by the fire gratefully. She had looked at Granthope when he first spoke, and now she kept her eyes fixed on him as he stood by the window. Masterson went over to him and spoke in a lower tone. "I got to have time to think this thing over," he said. "Then, if I accept your offer, we got to discuss ways and means, and so forth and so on. I won’t say yes, and I won’t say no, just at present. I’ll think it over and let you know, Frank." The woman started at the name. Her lower lip fell pendulous. Her eyes were still on Granthope. "When will you let me know?" he asked. "I tell you what I’ll do; I’m busy to-day, and I got an engagement to-night. Suppose I come down to your office after theater time? Say ten-thirty. Will that do?" "I’ll be there," Granthope replied. "I’ll wait till you come. The outside door is locked at eleven o’clock. Be there before that." He took his hat and walked to the door, giving a look at Mrs. Riley as he passed. Her face was now almost animated, as her lips mumbled something to herself. Granthope ran briskly down-stairs, and Masterson closed the door. "Who’s that?" Mrs. Riley piped querulously. "That? Why, Granthope, the palmist," said the doctor, busying himself with some bottles on his table. He took one up and shook it. "Granthope? No, sir! Don’t tell me! I know better." Masterson was upon her in a flash. "What d’you mean?" he demanded, taking her by the arm. "I know, I know! You can’t fool Margaret Riley!" she croaked. He shook her roughly. "You’re drunk!" he exclaimed in disgust. "No, I ain’t!" she retorted. "I’m sober enough to know that fellow; I’ve seen him before, I tell you." "Who is he, then?" "Oh, d’you want to know?" she said craftily. "What would you give to know, Doctor?" "I’ll give you Hail Columbia if you _don’t_ tell me!" he cried. "I’ll give you a bloody good reputation, that’s what I’ll give! I’ll give you the name of being a poisoner, old woman, and I’ll take care that your neighbors know all about your three husbands, if you don’t look out!" "Oh, my God! Don’t speak so loud, Doctor, please! I’ll tell you if you’ll promise to leave me alone. I didn’t mean nothing by it." "Let’s have it then." The doctor’s eyes gleamed. "Did you ever hear tell of Madam Grant?" she asked. "I reckon it was before your day." "Yes, I did. What about her?" "Why, this young fellow you call Granthope, he used to live with her." "He did!" The healer came up to her and looked her hard in the eye. "How the devil do you know that?" "Why, I’ve seen him there, many’s the time. I used to know the Madam well. Me and her was great friends. Why, I was there the day she died!" "Were you? I never knew that."