“Don’t stick around waiting for the phone to ring.”
“And,” Fosdick announced, “needless to say, this is an offer of compromise. It is not permissible in evidence. It is not an admission of liability, and, unless it is accepted within reasonable time, it will be withdrawn.”
With elaborate carelessness, Bertha said, “Withdraw it now if you want to. It’s okay by me.”
Fosdick pretended not to hear her, but left the room with the greatest dignity.
Bertha Cool waited only until she felt certain he had reached the elevator; then she bustled out to the outer office. “Elsie, take a telegram to Donald.”
“Another one?”
“Yes.”
Elsie Brand held her pencil poised over the notebook.
Bertha Cool started dictating a telegram.
DONALD DEAR YOU HAVE BEEN VERY NICE AND THOUGHTFUL TO SEND BERTHA ALL OF YOUR IDEAS. MY VERY BEST THANKS. DONALD LOVER TELL ME WHY SHOULD JOSEPHINE DELL LIE TO ME ABOUT THE ACCIDENT? WHY SHOULD SHE BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE A FAT SETTLEMENT IN ORDER TO KEEP FROM TELLING EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT? WIRE BERTHA COLLECT. LOTS OF LOVE AND BEST WISHES TO YOU.