“You realise the situation, madame, I see.  That is very fortunate.  I have nothing to fear, as you would do almost anything rather than let your secret be known.”

“But suppose I do not accede to your demand, what then?”

“That would remain for you to find out, madame.  Are you willing to run the risk?”

“Heavens, no!  It must not be.  What is your price?  Tell me quick, and let us get through with this painful interview.”

“Willingly, madame.  I am as anxious to get through as you are.  My price is very moderate, considering the favor I am bestowing upon you.  I want five hundred dollars.”

“Five hundred dollars!” The woman gasped as she stared at her visitor.  “Why, you are a scoundrel, and nothing less.”

Grimsby smiled, and rubbed his hands.  He felt sure of his quarry, and it mattered little to him what he was called.  It was all in the way of business, so he told himself.  Then he picked up his hat from the floor where he had deposited it, and made as though he was about to leave.

“Very well, then,” he casually remarked.  “If you think it is too much I am sorry.  Next week, perhaps, you will consider it very cheap, and would be willing to give far more.  But it may be too late then.  However, if you are unwilling to meet my moderate demand, it is no use for me to remain longer.”

He started to leave the fire-place, but the woman detained him.

“Don’t go just yet,” she ordered.  “I realise that I must give you something.  But isn’t your price exorbitant?”

“It might be for some, but not for you, Mrs. Randall.  I understand that you are one of the largest tax-payers in this city, and in your own name at that.  Why, I am astonished at myself for my moderation in asking for so little from such a rich woman.  I might have made it a thousand at least.”

For a few minutes the woman remained in deep thought.  Grimsby never took his eyes from her face.  He was quite elated with himself, for he felt sure of success.

At length the woman gave a weary sigh, rose slowly from her chair, and crossing the room, sat down before a handsome writing-table.  When she at last came back to the fire-place she was holding a cheque in her hand.  Eagerly the man reached out to receive it.  But the woman waved him back.

“Just a minute,” she told him.  “Before I give you this I want you to promise upon your word of honour that you will never ask me for any more money.”

“I promise, madame,” Grimsby replied, bowing, and placing his right hand upon his heart in a dramatic manner.  “I shall make myself as scarce as I always do when my creditors are after me.  What more can I say?”

“And you will never breathe a word of this to anyone?”

“Trust me to keep the secret, madame, I shall not even tell my wife.”

The woman was about to say something more, but a startled look came into her eyes, as she turned apprehensively toward the door.  Nervously she thrust the cheque into the man’s hand.