To find my mother is the one thought of my existence, and any one who can shorten my quest must have my deepest gratitude." Pauline frowns again.
"I hate that word; it has no place with me, John Craig.

Friendship I despise--it is either love or hate with me.

Let me tell you what I am in a position to do--find your mother for you, bring you face to face, or, on the other hand, render it impossible for you to ever set eyes upon her." Her manner proves it to be no idle boast, but the young man will not descend to deceit, even when he might accomplish so much.
"Will you bring about this meeting ?" he asks.
"On one condition, John." "Well"-- hesitatingly--"name it." "That you marry me," is the prompt reply, and even Pauline, actress by nature and vocation as she is, turns a trifle rosy under his gaze, though not abashed.
"That is a sudden ultimatum.

Kindly tell me when you would like this little affair to come off ?" he asks, lightly.
"Now--before I take you to the one you have long sought." "Pardon me; I can hardly collect my wits.

You see I had not dreamed of marrying for years.