“Well,” he said, “are you satisfied now?”
She looked at him with an air of profound commiseration, knowing his weakness too well to be angry at his injustice.
“Of what should I be satisfied?” she asked gently.
“I have done what you wished me to.”
“You did what reason dictated, my friend.”
“Very well: we won’t quarrel about words. I have seen your friend the commissary. Am I any better off?”
She shrugged her shoulders almost imperceptibly.
“What did you expect of him, then?” she asked. “Did you think that he could undo what is done? Did you suppose, that, by the sole power of his will, he would make up the deficit in the Mutual Credit’s cash, and rehabilitate your father?”
“No, I am not quite mad yet.”
“Well, then, could he do more than promise you his most ardent and devoted co-operation?”