Eliza sniffed, but ceased her talk for the moment, at least.
“Now, Miss Prall,” Gibbs resumed, “it is necessary, in my opinion, to have an interview at which both yourself and Mrs Everett are present. I have a right to ask this, and I offer you the choice of going there, or sending for her to come here.”
“I won’t do either,” snapped Letitia. “I refuse to go to her home, and I certainly shall not let her enter mine.”
“But, don’t you see that is most damaging to your own side of the story.”
“What do I care? Don’t think you can frighten me, young man! Letitia Prall is quite able to take care of herself.”
“That may be, but you are not able to defy, successfully, the course of the law. If I insist on this interview, I think, Miss Prall, you will be obliged to consent.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Then, I am sorry to tell you, your refusal must be set aside, and you will, I am sure, see the advisability of accepting the situation.”
“Oh, come, Auntie,” said Bates, “you’re making a lot of unnecessary trouble. Neither you nor Mrs Everett had any hand in this murder,—the mere idea is ridiculous! and if you have the interview Mr Gibbs wants, it will soon be over and then you will both be freed from suspicion and can go on with your silly ‘feud.’ That is a foolish thing, but trivial. This other matter is serious. You must get it over with at once,—for all our sakes.”
“I won’t.” And Miss Prall set her lips obstinately.