“What you want is to disgrace the girl, so that neither of these men would think of marrying her?”
“That is what I am pining for, and what will make your lady a well and happy woman. It is for her sake.”
“Never mind! I see!” said Ellen, interrupting the young lady without ceremony. “Now there are various kinds of disgrace; some think poverty enough.”
“But that won’t do here; she is poor as a church mouse already, and they do not care a straw for it.”
“Yes, I understand. We must plunge deeper than that. When it is accomplished, I may be sure of the five thousand?”
“I might promise safely, and call it fifty thousand; but, if it is possible for you to place this girl in a position which will drive all honorable men from her, I will gladly give you the sum I at first spoke of.”
“And the madam?”
“She must know nothing of this. She would condemn us, and reject our help, though it is mostly for her good,” said the young lady, with emphasis. “This must rest between you and myself. If another soul is informed, I for one will throw up the bargain.”
“There is no need of that,” said Ellen, half buried in thought.
“Furthermore, I must have nothing to do with this, only so far as the money is concerned.”