She walked to the Imperial and looked again at Gladys’s photographs.  How any man could fall madly in love with such a face, was more than she could conceive.  It was a mincing, maudlin, finicking face—­it irritated her intensely.  She turned away from it in disgust, yet came back to have another look—­and yet another.  God knows why!  It fascinated her.  Finally she left it, fully resolved to let its odious original go to her fate—­without a warning.  Soon after her return to the Hall in Cockspur Street, she was sent for by Hamar.

“Didn’t I tell you,” he said, “that you were on no account to encourage Mr. Kelson?”

“You did!” Lilian Rosenberg replied.

“Will you kindly explain, then,” Hamar said, “why you have disobeyed my orders?”

“How have I disobeyed them?” Lilian Rosenberg asked.

“How!” Hamar retorted, his cheeks white with passion.  “You dare to inquire how!  Why, you were on the point of accompanying him to his rooms last night to supper, when I stopped you!  I have overlooked your disobedience so many times that I can do so no longer.  Your services will not be required by the Firm after to-day fortnight.”

“Won’t they?” Lilian Rosenberg replied, her anger rising.  “I think you are mistaken.  I know a great deal too much to make it safe for you to part with me.  I know—­for instance—­all about your Compact with the Unknown!”

“You know nothing,” Hamar said, his voice faltering.

“Oh, yes, I do!” Lilian Rosenberg answered.  “I know everything.  I know how you first got in communication with the Unknown in San Francisco; I know how you receive fresh powers from the Unknown every three months (the old powers being cancelled).  I know the penalty you will undergo should the Compact be broken—­and—­what is more—­I know how the Compact can be broken.”

“How the deuce have you learned all this?” Hamar stammered.

“Never you mind.  Am I to remain in your service or leave?”

“I think,” Hamar said, stroking his chin thoughtfully, “it is better that you should remain—­better for all parties.  I owe you some little recompense for your loyalty to the Firm, and for the admirable way you spoke up for the Firm in Court.  I will make you out a cheque for a hundred pounds now—­and your salary shall be doubled at the end of this week.  Promise to keep out of Mr. Kelson’s way in future—­for the next six months at any rate—­after that time you may see him as often as you like—­and I will give you as a wedding present a cheque for twenty thousand pounds!”

“Twenty thousand pounds!  You are joking!”

“I’m not.  I vow and declare I mean it.  Is that a bargain?”

“I will certainly think it well over,” Lilian Rosenberg said, “and let you know my decision later on.”