I stared hard at Miss Molly Bashe, wanting to be certain that she was not pulling my leg. “I will agree that your friend is most appetizing,” I finally declared, “but I warn you that if I undertake this diverting scheme, you will not escape its consequences. Do you understand me, Miss Molly?”

Before my level gaze, the delicious brunette turned a most becoming scarlet and lowered her eyes. “I-I know you will, Mr. Jack,” she faintly retorted. “And-and you needn’t worry about Julia, because I will talk her into accepting whatever you try to do to us. But I think you had best start with me, because it will more natural.”

Still further wonder upon wonders! And I confess that I was not at all loath to renew my carnal acquaintance with the enticing figure of this charming if affectatious young beauty. “Very well,” I said, “you will therefore tell your friend that I had asked you to show her my famous Snuggery. You will have her sit in the armchair which is near the door. It has green upholstery and is very becoming and inviting, quite wide and deep. I need not add that it so contrived that a mere touch of a secret mechanism will hold her captive while I proceed with you.”

“I-I understand, Mr. J-Jack,” Molly Bashe quavered. She was really adorable as she stood with downcast eyes and cheeks that were a brilliant crimson with her mingled emotions. She knew that she was being extremely naughty and forward, the delicious minx, and from the agitated rise and fall of her bosom I could discern that the prospect was exciting her already! Well, it was having the same effect on me. Indeed, it would take a moment or two for me to recover my composure before I could dare go out into the salon and face Miss Julia Denton without manifesting to this very prim and circumspect young lady the outrageous evidence of my manhood in a state of anticipatory excitement!

“Then, as for you, you will recall that you and your mother commented on the pulleys which are found in my Snuggery and how those same pulleys were the very cause of your downfall.”