"I know of something worth more than money. Oh, if only someone

were to give me what I long for!"

He slowly lifted his head, and there was a gleam of hope in his eyes.

"Oh, you can't give it me," she continued; "it doesn't depend on

you, and that's the reason I'm talking to you about it. Yes, we're

having a chat, so I may as well mention to you that I should like to

play the part of the respectable woman in that show of theirs."

"What respectable woman?" he muttered in astonishment.