She pulled it away. "Don't make a mistake. I am playing to the gallery," she said, with an artificial laugh. "If Mavis is proved guiltless and you marry her with her income, it will be a great advertisement for me. And perhaps," added Mrs. Pelham Odin, with emphasis, "it may bring back to the public in a worthy fashion the name of one who was their idol for many, many brilliant and successful years. On the other hand if this girl really is insane, and guilty----" "You will have acted in a way which no other woman would have done, and your conscience will reward you." "I prefer the loaves and fishes," said the actress, smiling, "moreover, I admit that I am curious to see this girl, who--as you say--is so like Charity. Mavis came from India?" "Yes--according to Major Rebb, who declares that her mother died in Bombay, when Mavis was born." "Charity, according to the juggler's wife, who was told by the ayah, was born in Simla." Mrs. Pelham Odin frowned, and then waved her hand. "There can be no relationship between the two girls." "I think that there will be--when we learn the truth." "Major Rebb will not tell it." "Oh yes, he will, when I prove Mavis guiltless and force him to give up the money. Sooner than remain in ignorance I shall ask Mavis to bribe him into confession." Mrs. Pelham Odin thought for a few moments, being as sharp as a needle to see the pounds, shillings, and pence side of things. "Mr. Haskins," she finally remarked, "this likeness may be a freak of nature--we have heard of such things before." "Quite so, but so exact a likeness as this is can only come from the two girls being born of the same mother." "Well, you seem to be so certain that they are, Mr. Haskins, that, for the sake of argument, we will grant it. In that case--and presuming that Major Rebb confesses such is the case--Charity certainly ought to have half the income." "I quite agree with you," rejoined the young man unhesitatingly, "and I am quite sure that, if we can prove the relationship, Mavis--being guided by me--will be quite ready to hand over three thousand a year to Charity. That would only be fair." Mrs. Pelham Odin hopped off the sofa, very much excited. "Now you talk common-sense, you show me in which way my duty lies. I am willing to see this girl." "And to help her against her enemies?" "Hum!" Mrs. Pelham Odin pressed her fan to her lips, "even three thousand a year for Charity might be earned too dearly. I can say no more than that I'll see her. I am shrewd in reading characters, and I can easily tell if Mavis is insane, or deceitful, or bloodthirsty." Gerald laughed when he thought of his beautiful love. "Mavis is none of the three. You will be ashamed of your suspicions when you see her angel face." "I know that angel face," said Mrs. Pelham Odin dryly, "it is a very useful mask in some cases to cloak wicked designs. Well, I am going to the theatre soon. Mr. Macandrew is there, and will come back with me and Charity."