"Stay a moment," said Florence, eagerly. "I want to speak to you."
"Now it's coming," thought Mrs. Bradshaw, with some curiosity. She was rather taken aback by the first words of her prisoner:
"How much money has Mr. Orton Campbell promised to pay you for assisting him in his plot?"
"Well, I declare!" said Mrs. Bradshaw, bridling, for though she had been bribed she did not like to confess it.
"He is to pay me rent for this room," she said, after a pause.
"Then I am your lodger, am I?" asked Florence.
"I suppose so," answered the woman, rather embarrassed by this unexpected question.
"Very well, then. I don't think I care to occupy the room. I will pay you a week's rent out of my own purse, and leave you after supper."
"I think not," said Mrs. Bradshaw, decidedly.
"Then I am to consider myself your prisoner?"