The impertinence did not escape Pauline Corsi. With a smile of provoking assurance, she seated herself opposite to the lawyer, and threw back the dark veil that had shaded her face. "We shall understand one another better, by-and-by, Mr. Craig," she said, quietly. "May I ask the motive of this rather untimely visit?" "We will come to that in good time, my dear sir," replied Pauline, laughing; "perhaps there are several motives. Suppose then, that we begin with motive number one." The lawyer writhed beneath her calm assurance. "I must tell you, mademoiselle," he said, "that these ain't my business hours, and that if you've anything particular to say to me, you'd better call another time. Though I should think," he added insolently, "that the governess of Don Juan Moraquitos can't have much business with lawyers." "But the wife of Don Juan Moraquitos may, Mr. Craig." "The wife." "Yes, I see your client does not give you his entire confidence. I am to become Pauline Moraquitos before twelve o'clock to-morrow." The lawyer's cheek once more grew ashy pale. Again a sudden terror seized him. He felt that there was some mystery shrouded beneath this business, of which he now heard for the first time. "I know the question which very naturally rises to your lips," said Pauline, with quiet deliberation. "You would ask what motive can have induced Don Juan Moraquitos to take such a step. I reply to that question before it is asked: The motive is a most powerful one." Silas quailed beneath the look which accompanied these emphatic words. Pauline Corsi had not boasted idly of the power of her will. The guilty lawyer, versed in every art of lying and chicanery, trembled, he scarce knew why, in the presence of this frail girl. "Do you ask the nature of this motive?" said Pauline. "I do," he faltered, pouring out a glass of wine. His hand shook so violently that the neck of the decanter rattled against the rim of the glass, and he spilled half the costly liquid as he raised it to his quivering lips. He had no reason to fear this Frenchwoman--but the strength of her indomitable will had a magnetic power over him, and his brutal nature bowed beneath its force. "I will tell you, Silas Craig," answered Pauline; "there are some secrets which, once known, give to the person who discovers them a fearful and boundless power over the guilty wretches whom they concern. Secrets that are discovered when least the criminals fear detection. Words that are overheard, and cherished for years by the person who overhears them. Words which have power to drag the guilty to the scaffold; words that can kill. Do you understand me?" "No." He spoke doggedly, but sat with his hands clasped upon the arms of his easy-chair, his rat-like eyes almost starting from his head as he gazed at Pauline. "Think again, Silas Craig," said the Frenchwoman; "surely I have spoken plainly. Can you not understand me?" "No," he repeated with a terrible oath.