"
"With regard, now, to the person who is the object of these inquiries,"
he resumed. "Are you thoroughly clear in your own mind about what you
want to know?"
"Perfectly clear," replied Magdalen. "I want to know where he lives, to
begin with."
"Yes. And after that?"
"I want to know about his habits; about who the people are whom he
associates with; about what he does with his money--" She considered a
little. "And one thing more," she said; "I want to know whether there
is any woman about his house--a relation, or a housekeeper--who has an
influence over him."
"Harmless enough, so far," said the captain. "What next?"
"Nothing. The rest is my secret."
The clouds on Captain Wragge's countenance began to clear away again.
He reverted, with his customary precision, to his customary choice of
alternatives. "These inquiries of hers," he thought, "mean one of two
things--Mischief, or Money! If it's Mischief, I'll slip through her
fingers. If it's Money, I'll make myself useful, with a view to the
future."
Magdalen's vigilant eyes watched the progress of his reflections
suspiciously. "Captain Wragge," she said, "if you want time to consider,
say so plainly.
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