u are living on the weaknesses of other
people, and it almost means that you get your daily bread--yes--and
your cake and your wine, too, from the sweat and toil of others. You're
a safe gambler, a 'gambler under cover.' Show me a man who's dealing
bank; he's free and above board. But you--you can figure the percentage
against you, and then if you buck the tiger and get stung, you do it
with your eyes open. With you Wall Street men, the game is crooked
twelve months of the year. From a business point of view, I think
you're a crook!" He paused, as if to see the effect of his words. Then
he added: "Now I guess we understand each other. If you've got anything
to say, why--spill it."

Brockton rose impatiently. His voice rising in anger, he said:

"We're not talking business now, but women. How much money do you
earn?"

For a moment Madison was taken aback by the very impudence of the
question. He glared at his questioner, and half rose from his seat with
a threatening gesture. But noting the cool and composed manner of the
broker, he merely shrugged his shoulders. Clenching his teeth, he
leaned forward and said warningly:

"Understand, I don't think it is any of your damned business! But I'm
going through with you on this proposition, just to see how the land
lays. Take my tip, however. Be mighty careful how you speak about the
girl, if you're not looking for trouble."

Paying no attention to the covert threat, Brockton went on:

"How much did you say you made?"

"Thirty dollars a week."

The broker gave vent to a low, but expressive whistle. Elevating his
eyebrows, he asked:

"Do you know how much Laura could make if she took a job just on her
own merits?"

Madison shook his head. Impatiently he replied:

"As I don't intend to share in her salary, I never took the trouble to
inquire."

"She'd get about forty dollars."

"That laps me ten," retorted the other.

Brockton persisted.

"But how are you going to support her?" he demanded. "Her cabs cost
more than your salary, and she pays her week's salary for an every-day
walking hat. She's always had a maid. Her simplest gown flirts with a
hundred dollar note. Her manicurist and her hairdresser will eat up as
much as you pay for your board. She never walks when it's stormy, and
every afternoon there's her ride in the park. She dines in the best
places in New York, and one meal costs her more than you make in a day.
Do you imagine for a moment that she's g