Bertha lapsed into silence.
“Mrs. Cool, the question of malice is one of the most important in this whole case. If you are to win this case, you’ll have to establish that you held no malice toward the plaintiff, none whatever. In the future, refer to the plaintiff in this action as a very estimable young woman of unimpeachable moral character. She is, perhaps, mistaken, but as far as her character is concerned, she is a paragon of virtue. Otherwise, Mrs. Cool, it — is — going — to — cost — you — money. Do you understand?”
“Well, when I’m talking to you, can’t I tell the truth?”
“When you are talking to me, when you are talking to friends, even when you are thinking, you must refer to this young woman only in words that can be repeated anywhere. Can’t you see, Mrs. Cool, that your thoughts as well as your conversation are habit-forming patterns? If you use derogatory expressions in your thoughts, or in some of your conversations, those words will unconsciously slip out at inopportune times. Now, repeat after me, ‘This young woman is a very estimable young woman.’ ”
Bertha Cool said, with evident reluctance, “Goddamn her, she’s a very estimable young woman.”
“And see that you always so refer to her,” Drumson warned.
“I’ll try. If it’ll save me money, I’ll try.”
“Now, what’s this about witnesses being present?”
“Everett Belder and—”
“Now, just a moment. Mr. Belder was your employer?”