She knew Abel from old days.

She saw him now, sodden, bloated--but he fascinated her still.

Was he the magician to conjure happiness for her?
"What is your plan ?" she asked.
"I have two passages taken in a brig for the Mediterranean.

We go to New York a day or two before she sails.

That's all." "And then ?" asked his companion, with wonder and doubt in her voice.
"And then a blissful climate and happiness." "And then ?" she persisted, in a low, doubtful voice.
"Then Hell--if you are anxious for it," said Abel, in a sharp, sudden voice.
The poor woman cowered as she sat.