, "but, Mrs. Close, I
assure you that I am actuated by the best of motives. We represent the
New York Star--"

"Isn't it terrible enough that I should suffer so," she interrupted,
"but must the newspapers hound me, too?"

"I beg your pardon, Mrs. Close," said Craig, "but you must be aware that
the news of your suit of Dr. Gregory has now become public property. I
couldn't stop the Star, much less the other papers, from talking about
it. But I can and will do this, Mrs. Close. I will see that justice is
done to you and all others concerned. Believe me, I am not here as a
yellow journalist to make newspaper copy out of your misfortune. I am
here to get at the truth sympathetically. Incidentally, I may be able to
render you a service, too."

"You can render me no service except to expedite the suit against that
careless doctor--I hate him."

"Perhaps," said Craig. "But suppose someone else should be proved to
have been really responsible? Would you still want to press the suit and
let the guilty person escape?"

She bit her lip. "What is it you want of me?" she asked.

"I merely want permission to visit your rooms at your home and to talk
with your maid. I do not mean to spy on you, far from it; but consider,
Mrs. Close, if I should be able to get at the bottom of this thing, find
out the real cause of your misfortune, perhaps show that you are the
victim of a cruel wrong rather than of carelessness, would you not be
willing to let me go ahead? I am frank to tell you that I suspect there
is more to this affair than you yourself have any idea of."

"No, you are mistaken, Mr. Kennedy. I know the cause of it. It was my
love of beauty. I couldn't resist the temptation to get rid of even a
slight defect. If I had left well enough alone I should not be here now.
A friend recommended Dr. Gregory to my husband, who took me there.
My husband wishes me to remain at home, but I tell him I feel more
comfortable here in the hospital. I shall never go to that house
again--the memory of the torture of sleepless nights in my room there
when I felt my good looks going, going"--she shuddered--"is such that
I can never forget it. He says I would be better off there, but no, I
cannot go. Still," she continued wearily, "there can be no harm in your
talking to my maid."

Kennedy noted attentively what she was saying. "I thank you, Mrs.
Close," he replied. "I am sure you will not regret your permission.
Would you be so kind as to give