I ask the prince of darkness to come."

A tall, rather spare, but well-made and handsome man appeared at the
door of the hut. His manner was that of one evidently conversant with
the usages of good society.

"I beg pardon," said the musician, surprised and visibly nettled at the
intrusion, and then with forced politeness he asked: "To whom am I
indebted for this unexpected visit?"

"Allow me," said the stranger taking a card from his case and handing
it to the musician, who read: "Satan," and, in the lower left-hand
corner "Prince of Darkness."

"I am the Prince," said the stranger, bowing low.

There was no hint of the pavement-made ruler in the information he
gave, but rather of the desire of one gentleman to set another right at
the beginning. The musician assumed a position of open-mouthed wonder,
gazing steadily at the visitor.

"Satan?" he whispered hoarsely.

"You need help and advice," said the visitor, his voice sounding like
that of a disciple of the healing art, and implying that he had
thoroughly diagnosed the case.

"No, no," cried the shuddering violinist; "go away. I do not need you."

"I regret I can not accept that statement as gospel truth," said Satan,
sarcastically, "for if ever a man needed help, you are that man."

"But not from you," replied Diotti.

"That statement is discredited also by your outburst of a few moments
ago when you called upon me."

"I do not need you," reiterated the musician. "I will have none of
you!" and he waved his arm toward the door, as if he desired the
interview to end.

"I came at your behest, actuated entirely by kindness of heart," said
Satan.

Diotti laughed derisively, and Satan, showing just the slightest
feeling at Diotti's behavior, said reprovingly: "If you will listen a
moment, and not be so rude to an utter stranger, we may reach some
conclusion to your benefit."

"Get thee behind--"

"I know exactly what you were about to say. Have no fears on that
score. I have no demands to make and no impossible compacts to insist
upon."

"I have heard of you before," knowingly spoke the violinist nodding his
head sadly.

"No doubt you have," smilingly. "My reputation, which has suffered at
the hands of irresponsible people, is not of the best, and places me at
times in awkward positions. But I am beginning to live it down." The
stranger looked contrition itself. "To prove my sincerity I desire to
help you win her love," emphasizing her.

"How