“No, it won’t. He thinks her the loveliest, the most beautiful and accomplished creature in the world. Being married won’t hurt her with him. He will never think any one fit to untie her shoes. I want him to despise her—hate her. I want to break up this match, which is killing your poor mistress.” “But how?” “I don’t know. What is the good of being rich when the thing you want most can’t be got for money. Oh, if I had that girl under my feet how I would stamp her down!” Ellen Post seated herself by the window, and fell into thought. She was a sharp, even-tempered schemer, who saw a chance of killing several birds with one stone, if it only could be brought about. Her ideas were crude as yet, but she saw a gleam of daylight through them. “Five thousand dollars! Did you say that, Miss Spicer?” “I said five thousand dollars. I don’t know what I said, but I’d give even that. But what is the good?” “And you mean it?” “Mean it? No, I don’t mean it, for the thing isn’t possible. If it were I wouldn’t hesitate a moment.” “What you want is to disgrace the girl, so that neither of these men would think of marrying her?” “That is what I am pining for, and what will make your lady a well and happy woman. It is for her sake.” “Never mind! I see!” said Ellen, interrupting the young lady without ceremony. “Now there are various kinds of disgrace; some think poverty enough.” “But that won’t do here; she is poor as a church mouse already, and they do not care a straw for it.” “Yes, I understand. We must plunge deeper than that. When it is accomplished, I may be sure of the five thousand?” “I might promise safely, and call it fifty thousand; but, if it is possible for you to place this girl in a position which will drive all honorable men from her, I will gladly give you the sum I at first spoke of.” “And the madam?” “She must know nothing of this. She would condemn us, and reject our help, though it is mostly for her good,” said the young lady, with emphasis. “This must rest between you and myself. If another soul is informed, I for one will throw up the bargain.” “There is no need of that,” said Ellen, half buried in thought. “Furthermore, I must have nothing to do with this, only so far as the money is concerned.” “That is understood. In fact, I see nothing that you could be of use in.” “Of course not.” “Nor do I see how any one can act as yet; but all the same, Miss Spicer, I shall earn your money.” “Very well; I don’t ask how. I only wish for a thing, and when it comes to pass, give so much money.” “Five thousand,” said the maid. “Five thousand,” answered the young lady, and the bargain was closed. CHAPTER XLIX. MR. MAHONE.