"When I say it you will be satisfied," she said, with a look that revealed to him a new, undiscovered world. "Rita," he persisted doggedly, seizing her wrist, "I know what you can do, what you’ll make of us, but that’s not all. I don’t want any cold-blooded reason-and-logic marriage. Look here. You’ve got to love me—like hell—do you understand?" She turned on him swiftly, opening her lips until her white teeth showed in their tense grip. Then, suddenly veiling her emotion in a relaxing smile, she said, as she rang for Henriette: "No woman could find it hard to love you, John Slade." When he had left she remained standing a long while very thoughtfully. Then she went quietly upstairs and fell almost immediately into a quiet, profound sleep. Her own self-possession surprised her; but unusual natures have this over common-place ones that they are continually surprising themselves. *CHAPTER XIX* When the next day Beecher reached his club he found all discussions centered upon John G. Slade and the astonishing and incomprehensible outcome of the conference at Gunther’s of which naturally only the usual misinformation was known. The morning papers had contained a reassuring statement, backed by powerful names, of the condition of the Associated Trust, with promises of support. Gunther had publicly announced that he would bring twenty millions of ready money to relieve the financial stringency and, if that were not sufficient, twenty millions more. When the man in the Street comprehended that the great fortunes of the country had authorized this step, the effect was instantaneous. The stock market opened with loss of two to three points and immediately recovered this decline and, for the first time during the week, registered distinct advances. The runs on the banks still continued, but the lines of depositors were apparently less. At eleven o’clock Rupert V. Steele visibly entered the offices of the Associated Trust and, advancing to the deserted window of the cashier, made the first deposit. In a minute it was publicly announced that five millions of dollars had just been deposited to the credit of the great Columbus National. Half of the waiting line, wavered, turned and went home. "Well, Slade’s turned the trick," said Gunther, joining his friend. "But how he managed to wriggle through is a mystery." "Haven’t seen the papers," said Beecher. "What do they say about Emma Fornez?" "Couldn’t be better. The third act bowled ’em over," said Gunther, laughing. Beecher had told him of the diva’s prophecy. "By the way, Ted, my long shot may not prove such a wild one. Mapleson is a close friend of the Cheevers—rather attentive to the lady, who from all accounts is a rather frisky one. I telephoned McKenna about it and he seemed distinctly interested." "McKenna?" said Beecher, opening his eyes.