"You must be a fool! Trusting a man who would ask you to do a thing like that!" "You're putting words in my mouth. Mr. Clifford did not mention sleeping with you. He only asked that I render any service possible." "And you don't think that was included?" "Possibly it was." "And you respect a man who would _let_ it be included?" Daphne smiled, brilliantly, quietly. "Perhaps Mr. Clifford knew I would not be asked to render any such service." "How could any man know that?" "I told you. Mr. Clifford is one--" "I know--I know. One of the Great Ones. What's that? A lodge of some kind?" She pondered for a moment. "In a sense." Suddenly Lee's decency took command. "I'm sorry--more sorry than I can say. Forgive me?" She returned his smile. "There is nothing to forgive. Would you like some coffee?" "That's an idea, but mainly I want to talk." "About what?" "Who brought me here? Who--" he rubbed a hand across his chin. "Who cleaned me up and shaved me?" "Mr. Clifford." "Why?" "I don't know. I imagine he had a reason." "Where is he now?" "I don't know. In China perhaps--South America--India." Lee smiled wryly. "Okay--okay. Ask a foolish question, you get a foolish answer." "I spoke the truth." "What is he? A traveling sales man?" Again Daphne considered with deep seriousness. "I suppose you could call him that?" "When will he be back? I want a few more words with him." "I doubt," Daphne said, "if you will ever see him again." Lee tried to stand. He made a bad job of it. He swayed and sat down again. She was beside him instantly. "Your head?" "My _two_ heads." "Perhaps I can help." Her fingers were cool on his skin; live, soothing, merciful. Lee closed his eyes and was enveloped in a wonderful sense of well-being. Then he realized what seemed like a long time had been only a few moments. But his headache was gone. * * * * * He turned on her sharply. "How did you do that?" "It's very simple." Daphne went quickly to the phone and ordered coffee and orange juice. She put down the receiver, faced Lee, and said, "You wanted to talk?" "Yes. I have one big fat question. Why?" "Why?" "Don't evade--please. You know what I mean. I was lying drunk in the gutter. This man picked me up and put me here. Why?" "Perhaps you are more important to humanity than you realize." "Why do you say that?" "Because Mr. Clifford concerns himself with humanity." Lee felt a quick exasperation. Daphne seemed perfectly willing to answer any question he asked, but her answers were about as enlightening as midnight in a dark closet. He sought a different tack. "Tell me about these Great Ones." "I'm afraid I can't." "Why not?" "Because I know so little about hem." "They don't tell you much, then?" "I am unworthy of knowing much. As yet I am hardly an initiate." A waiter brought the coffee and departed. Daphne poured from the silver pot. "Is there anything else I can do?"