“This is mere brutality,” she said.
“Of course, madam, that letter was not brutal.”
“It was an honest letter.”
“You think so.”
“Mrs. Mince and Miss Snodley helped me to write it.”
“Indeed!” said John Strong, “then I trust that you will advise them to desist from such recreations in the future.”
“I shall appeal to my husband.”
“Do so, madam. Doubtless a libel action would improve his practice.”
John Strong, like a clever diplomat, had taken the measure of his adversary’s resources. He had frightened her sufficiently to prove that he was in grim earnest. Being no mere bovine bully, he adapted his methods to the exigencies of the situation, and proffered the lady a chance to regain her dignity.
“A year ago,” he began, “you probably believed that letter to be honest and sincere. But being a woman of sense, you will doubtless acknowledge that one’s opinions must change when new facts have been brought to light.”