be more widely acquainted soon."

She cast him one look, full of things inscrutable, and lowered her
lashes in silence. She was evidently striving to overcome some
indecision.

Garrison looked at her steadily. He thought he had never in his life
beheld a woman so beautiful. Some wild, unruly hope that she might
become his client, perhaps even a friend, was flaring in his mind.

The color came and went in her cheeks, adding fresh loveliness at every
change. She glanced at her list of names, from which a number had been
scratched.

"Well," she said presently, "I think perhaps you might still be able to
attend to my requirements."

He waited to hear her continue, but she needed encouragement.

"I shall be glad to try," he assured her.

She was silent again--and blushing. She looked up somewhat defiantly.

"I wish you to procure me a husband."

Garrison stared. He was certain he had heard incorrectly.

"I do not mean an actual husband," she explained. "I simply mean some
honorable young man who will assume the role for a time, as a business
proposition, for a fee to be paid as I would pay for anything else.

"I would require that he understand the affair to be strictly
commercial, and that when I wish the arrangement to terminate he will
disappear from the scene and from my acquaintance at once and
absolutely.

"All I ask of you is to supply me such a person. I will pay you
whatever fee you may demand--in reason."

Garrison looked at her as fixedly as she was looking at him.

Her recital of her needs had brought to the surface a phase of
desperation in her bearing that wrought upon him potently, he knew not
why.

"I think I understand your requirements, as far as one can in the
circumstances," he answered. "I hardly believe I have the ability to
engage such a person as you need for such a mission. I informed you at
the start that my acquaintance with New York men is exceedingly narrow.
I cannot think of anyone I could honestly recommend."

"But don't you know any honorable young gentleman--like some college
man, perhaps--here in New York, looking for employment; someone who
might be glad to earn, say, five hundred dollars?" she insisted.
"Surely if you only know a few, there must be one among them."

Garrison sat back in his chair and took hold of his smooth-shaved lip
with his thumb and finger. He reviewed his few New York experiences
rapidly.

"No," he repeated. "I know of no such man.