"A hundred and fifty would not pay me for the trouble," she said, conclusively.
Elinor looked at her a little blankly.
"But don't you understand. Celine, that I cannot spare any more?" she said. "I must keep enough to buy a decent dress and hat and cloak for the winter."
"That matters not to me," replied Celine, with the utmost indifference. "You must either give me the whole three hundred or I will not help you."
Elinor was angered and amazed at the woman's shameless rapacity.
"I will not do it!" she exclaimed, "I dare say Golden will go away of herself; anyhow, I do not intend to be fleeced so shamelessly."
"As you please, miss," replied the maid coolly. She had the game in her own hands, and was insolently aware of the fact. "I'm not anxious to accommodate you, I dare say I could make more by selling my secret. Don't you think Mr. Chesleigh would give me a thousand dollars for telling him where to find his missing sweetheart?"
Elinor grew frightened and acquiescent all in a moment at Celine's baleful threat.
"Oh, Celine, don't do that," she cried, "I was only joking when I said I would not do it. You shall have every dollar of the money if you will get Golden away to-night as you said you would."
"I thought I should bring you to your senses," muttered Celine, then she added aloud: