“I’m sure I—” he began indignantly.
“I’m sure you’ve frightened her. I’m sure you’ve discharged her.”
“Naturally!”
“Well, then, the first article of our agreement must be this,” said she. “Miss—Mackellar, you said? Miss Mackellar is to have an annuity of one thousand dollars a year.”
“No!” shouted Mr. Donalds. “No! I refuse!”
“Then it’s a deadlock,” said she, and poured herself another cup of tea.
A silence.
“You assure me that the woman is absolutely innocent of any participation in the kidnaping?” demanded Mr. Donalds.
“Absolutely! Any one could see that. She’s only a poor, muddled, tired little woman who does her best. She needs help, and you can very well afford to do this for her.”
“Very well!” said Mr. Donalds. “I agree to this—outrage!”