"I see, ma'am. If I'd known that I wouldn't have had no fears about the money."
"You need have none, Mr. Rugg," said Mrs. Middleton, coldly. "The fact is, we are necessary to each other. Each can promote the interests of the other."
"That's so, ma'am. Let's shake hands on that," said Rudolph, advancing with outstretched hand.
"No, thank you," said Mrs. Middleton, coldly. "You forget yourself, sir. Do not forget that I am a lady, and that you are—"
"We are equal, ma'am in this matter," said Rudolph, offended. "You needn't shrink from shaking hands with me."
"That is not in the agreement," said Mrs. Middleton, haughtily. "I shall do what I have agreed, but except so far as it is necessary in the way of business, I wish you to keep yourself away from me. We belong to different grades in society."
"Why didn't you say that the other day, ma'am?" said Rudolph, frowning.
"Because I didn't suppose it to be necessary. You did not offer to shake hands with me then. Besides, at that time you had not—"
"Pushed the boy down the well, if that's what you mean," said Rudolph, bluntly.
"Hush! don't refer to that. I advise you this for your own sake."