"Very well," replied Susan; "you must please yourself. The bill is the thing that condemns, is it not?"
"Yes; it proves the truth of my words."
"Where is it? I should like to see it."
"In my purse; you know that. You saw me put it there last night. I have not touched it since."
"Very well," said Susan; "I think that is all. Now, I have a statement to make. I refuse to betray poor Christian. She did some very wrong and shameful things, but I am not going to tell. I am a good friend, although some people don't think so. Cheer up, Chris. Do your worst, Star; do your very worst."
There was a mocking tone in Susan's voice, and a look of defiance all over her. She held herself very erect; her large face was flushed, and her eyes looked calm as well as daring.
"I wish you luck, Star; I wish you luck," she said.
Star put her hand into her pocket and took out her purse.
"I said I would do it, and I will," she said. "It is horrible beyond words, but I must do what I said. I shall take it with me and go. I said I'd go. It is all hateful. I could cry about the whole thing; but it is the only way to save Christian."
"A nice way of saving her!" said Susan. "You talk about saving her and you get her into a most terrible row."