lind to the consequent exactions upon itself; it strikes
fiercely and desperately, not calculating the force of a rebound. So
eager was Mrs. Dinneford to compass the ruin of Granger that she stepped
beyond the limit of common prudence, and sought private interviews
with Freeling, both before and after the completion of the partnership
arrangement. These took place in the parlor of a fashionable hotel,
where the gentleman and lady seemed to meet accidentally, and without
attracting attention.

Mrs. Dinneford was very confidential in these interviews not concealing
her aversion to Granger. He had come into the family, she said, as an
unwelcome intruder; but now that he was there, they had to make the best
of him. Not in spoken words did Mrs. Dinneford convey to Freeling the
bitter hatred that was in her heart, nor in spoken words let him know
that she desired the young man's utter ruin, but he understood it
all before the close of their first private interview. Freeling was
exceedingly deferential in the beginning and guarded in his speech. He
knew by the quick intuitions of his nature that Mrs. Dinneford cherished
an evil purpose, and had chosen him as the agent for its accomplishment.
She was rich, and occupied a high social position, and his ready
conclusion was that, be the service what it might, he could make it pay.
To get such a woman in his power was worth an effort.

One morning--it was a few months after the date of the
copartnership--Mrs. Dinneford received a note from Freeling. It said,
briefly,

"At the usual place, 12 M. to-day. Important." There was no signature.

The sharp knitting of her brows and the nervous crumpling of the note
in her hand showed that she was not pleased at the summons. She had come
already to know her partner in evil too well. At 12 M. she was in
the hotel parlor. Freeling was already there. They met in external
cordiality, but it was very evident from the manner of Mrs. Dinneford,
that she felt herself in the man's power, and had learned to be afraid
of him.

"It will be impossible to get through to-morrow," he said, in a kind of
imperative voice, that was half a threat, "unless we have two thousand
dollars."

"I cannot ask Mr. Dinneford for anything more," Mrs. Dinneford replied;
"we have already furnished ten thousand dollars beyond the original
investment."

"But it is all safe enough--that is, if we do not break down just here
for lack of so small a sum."

Mrs. Dinnefo