“You’ll be sorry for this, ma’am,” said Rugg, angrily.
I don’t think I shall. Before doing anything that
you will be sorry for, consider that to a man in your position the income I give you is very liberal.”
“Liberal! It isn’t one-tenth of what you get.”
“Very true, but the case is different.”
“You may believe me or not, but the boy is alive, and I know where he is.”
Mrs. Middleton did not believe one word of what he said. She was convinced that Tony had been killed by the man before her, and was indignant at the trick which she thought he was trying to play upon her. She felt that if she yielded to his importunity, it would only be the beginning of a series of demands. She had courage and firmness, and she decided to discourage him once for all in his exactions.
I don’t believe you,” she said, “and I am not afraid.”
“Then you won’t increase my income?” he said.
No, I will not. Neither now nor at any other time will I do it. What I have agreed to do I will do, but I will not give you a penny more. Do you understand me, Mr. Rugg?”