"I suppose you are in a hurry to see your young man," said Rudolph, with a grin.
"Mr. Rugg," said the lady, haughtily, "I beg you will make no reference to my private affairs. You speak as if I were a nursery maid."
"I beg your pardon, ma'am. No offense was meant."
"Then none is taken. But remember my caution."
She stepped into the hansom which was waiting for her, and Rudolph remained standing on the sidewalk.
"She's puttin' on airs," said the tramp, frowning. "She forgets all about her bein' a governess once, without five pounds in the world. She acts as if she were a lady born. I don't like it. She may try her airs on others, but not on Rudolph Rugg. He knows a little too much about Mrs. Harvey Middleton. Rich as you are, you're in his power, and if he was so inclined he could bring you down from your high place, so he could."
But Rudolph's anger was only transient. He was too astute not to understand clearly that he could not harm Mrs. Middleton without harming himself quite as much. As things stood, he was securely provided for. No more tramping about the country for him in all weathers. He had enough to lodge and feed him, and provide all the beer and tobacco he could use. This was certainly a comfortable reflection. So he sought out a comfortable lodging and installed himself before night, determined to get what enjoyment he could out of London and the income he had so foully won.
And Mrs. Middleton, she, too, congratulated herself.
She leaned back in the cab and gave herself up to joyful anticipations of future happiness and security.