“Don’t worry about me,” Mrs. Goldring said weakly.
Carlotta, as crisp as a cold lettuce leaf, went on, “Now, before we go any further, Mrs. Cool, I understand that Everett has severed any further connection with you. You’re not employed by him any longer and are not obliged to tell him anything. Is that right?”
“That’s the size of it,” Bertha said grimly. “He thought I’d bungled things up, and he washed his hands of me, and I’m glad he did.”
“Of course,” Carlotta went on, “we have to be very careful. We can’t make any certain direct accusations, not as things stand at the present time; but I think we all understand the situation. And I think we can carry on this conversation in the light of what we might call an unspoken understanding.”
Bertha merely nodded.
“After all,” Carlotta hurried to add, “we can’t afford to jeopardize our positions. You understand what I mean. Everett’s secretary is suing you over something you said.”
“I was just trying to clear up the case,” Bertha snorted, “and that damned little — estimable young lady — goes ahead and files a suit.”
“I know just how you feel, but I don’t see anything estimable about her, Mrs. Cool.”
“My lawyer says she should be an estimable young lady until after the trial.”
“Well, as far as I’m concerned,” Carlotta said positively, “she’s just a little—”