Without waiting for a reply she hurried on: “I hope you’ll do it, Mrs. Bradley. Barry is very anxious to get it settled and off his mind. Aren’t you, Barry?”
“I realize that I should have some consideration for Mr. Malleson’s mind,” replied Mrs. Bradley, “but really, I don’t see how I can take this money with a good conscience. I understand,” turning her eyes again on Barry and dissipating what little self-assurance he had left, “that you offer me this as a gift, pure and simple?”
“Pure and simple,” was his reply; but when he saw her shake her head slightly he added: “Or as a loan, Mrs. Bradley, or as—as a trust. Anything you like so long as you take it.”
She laughed a little at that, showing rows of perfect white teeth. Then she turned to Ruth.
“Mr. Malleson’s company,” she explained, “after my husband’s death, in view of my straitened circumstances, offered me a sum of money. I couldn’t see my way clear to accept it at the time, and I can’t now. I’m working; I’m supporting myself; my debts are paid. I don’t see why I should accept this gift, much as I appreciate the generosity of Mr. Malleson and his company. What would you do, Miss Tracy, if you were in my place?”
“I wouldn’t take it,” replied Ruth, “if I felt that it would in the least humiliate me, or have a tendency to undermine my independence or self-respect.”
“There, Mr. Malleson,” said Mrs. Bradley, “you hear what Miss Tracy says.”
“I do,” protested Barry, “but Ruth was never a—a childless widow, with a family to support, and she doesn’t know how it feels.”
Ruth colored and laughed, but, without waiting for her to respond, the “childless widow” turned to Barry’s companion.
“And what would you do, Miss Chichester?” she asked.