Mary's answer repudiated any possibility of fear.
“And now,” she explained contentedly, “he really will go to our lawyer. There, he will pay over that same marked money. Then, he will get the letters he wants so much. And, just because it's a strictly business transaction between two lawyers, with everything done according to legal ethics——”
“What's legal ethics?” Aggie demanded, impetuously. “They sound some tasty!” With the comment, she dropped weakly into a chair.
Mary laughed in care-free enjoyment, as well she might after winning the victory in such a battle of wits.
“Oh,” she said, happily, “you just get it legally, and you get twice as much!”
“And it's actually the same old game!” Aggie mused. She was doing her best to get a clear understanding of the matter, though to her it was all a mystery most esoteric.
Mary reviewed the case succinctly for the other's enlightenment.
“Yes, it's the same game precisely,” she affirmed. “A shameless old roue makes love to you, and he writes you a stack of silly letters.”
The pouting lips of the listener took on a pathetic droop, and her voice quivered as she spoke with an effective semblance of virginal terror.
“He might have ruined my life!”