The lady was not surprised. She had expected that she would be compelled to drive a bargain, and she had named a sum less than she was willing to pay.
You see,” continued Rudolph, “it’s going to be a great thing for you. You’ll be sure of a big estate and an income of two thousand pounds—that’s ten thousand dollars—a year, and it’ll be me that gives it to you.”
“You overestimate your service, Mr. Rugg,” she said, coldly. “If I decline to proceed further the estate will be mine.”
“Not if I bring on the boy, and say he’s the real heir.”
“I shall deny it,” said the lady, composedly, “and challenge you to the proof.”
“Then I’ll prove it.”
“Who will believe you?” asked Mrs. Middleton, quietly.
“Why shouldn’t they?”
“You are a tramp, and a discreditable person. I suppose the boy is one of the same sort.”
“No, he isn’t. I don’t like him overmuch, but he’s a handsome chap, looks the gentleman every inch.”