He shrugged his shoulders.
“I see,” she said, nodding her head quickly. “I suppose that is how blackmailers feel.”
He frowned.
“That is a word I never use, nor do I like to hear it employed,” he said. “Blackmail suggests to me a vulgar attempt to obtain money.”
“Which is generally very badly wanted by the people who use it,” said the girl, with a little smile, “and, according to your argument, they are also justified.”
“It is a matter of plane,” he said airily. “Viewed from my standpoint, they are sordid criminals—the sort of person that T. X. meets, I presume, in the course of his daily work. T. X.,” he went on somewhat oracularly, “is a man for whom I have a great deal of respect. You will probably meet him again, for he will find an opportunity of asking you a few questions about myself. I need hardly tell you—”
He lifted his shoulders with a deprecating smile.
“I shall certainly not discuss your business with any person,” said the girl coldly.
“I am paying you 3 pounds a week, I think,” he said. “I intend increasing that to 5 pounds because you suit me most admirably.”
“Thank you,” said the girl quietly, “but I am already being paid quite sufficient.”