“The word of a lady, sir,” said Mrs. Middleton, haughtily, “ought to be sufficient for you.”
“That’s all very well, but suppose you should get tired of paying me the money?”
“Then you could make it very disagreeable for me by telling all you know about the boy. However, there will be no occasion for that. I shall keep my promise. Will you be willing to sail for England next week?”
“Do you mean that I am to go with you?”
“I mean that you are to go. Your testimony must be given on the other side, in order to make clear my title to the estate.”
“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