The financier leisurely lifted his right hand, removed the cigar from his mouth, and struck the ashes lightly with his finger. Stuart noticed how small his hand, how delicately shaped, how smooth and careful its movements. Beyond a doubt it was the hand of an expert thief. And yet this man, by an accident of birth, was a devout member of the church and complied with the written laws of modern society. Stuart was silent a moment, watching the dark masked face before him. At last he blurted out: "Well, Cal, what's the real reason you make me this offer to-day?" Bivens moved uneasily in his chair, fidgeted, hesitated and finally leaned close, speaking in a whisper: "You can keep a little secret?" "You ought to know that before making me such an offer." "Yes. Yes, of course I know you will." Bivens paused and resumed his cigar. "The fact, is--Jim--I'm in love----" Stuart cleared his throat to strangle an exclamation. "In love?" he echoed in a tone of light banter. "Hopelessly, desperately in love!" "Then you need a minister, not a lawyer," Stuart said, with quiet sarcasm. "It's no joke, old man," Bivens went on soberly. "It's the most serious thing I was ever up against. Fell in love at first sight." "But where do I come into this affair?" Stuart interrupted, maintaining his self-control with an effort. "Simple enough. The Primroses----" "Oh, it's Miss Primrose?" "Yes--Miss Nan. You see, they think the world of you. She said you grew up together in the same town. I was telling her about my business. I must have been bragging about what we were going to do. I was crazy, just looking at her. Her beauty made me drunk. I told her we needed a new attorney. She said you were the man. I told her I'd offer you the place. She seemed pleased. When I told her I was afraid you wouldn't take a place under my direction, she laughed at the idea--said she knew you would accept. And so you've got the whole truth now, Jim. You've got to accept, old man. I want to make her feel that her word is law with me. Don't you think that would please her?" "It ought to please any woman," was the slow, thoughtful reply. "Tell me, do you think I've got a chance with a girl like that? You know I've never gone with girls much. I'm timid and awkward. I don't know what to do or what to say. But my money will help, won't it?" "Money always helps in this town, Cal." "And it means so much to a woman too,--don't it?" "Yes. Have you said anything to Miss Nan yet?" "Lord, no! Haven't dared. Just get drunk looking at her every time I see her, but I couldn't open my mouth if I tried. I'm kinder shying up to the old lady to get her on my side. She seems awfully friendly. I think she likes me. Don't you think it a good plan to cultivate her?" "By all means," was the dry reply.