"The word of a lady, sir," said Mrs. Middleton, haughtily, "ought to be sufficient for you."
"That's all very well, but suppose you should get tired of paying me the money?"
"Then you could make it very disagreeable for me by telling all you know about the boy. However, there will be no occasion for that. I shall keep my promise. Will you be willing to sail for England next week."
"I mean that you are to go. Your testimony must be given on the other side, in order to make clear my title to the estate."
"I see, ma'am. If I'd known that I wouldn't have had no fears about the money."
"You need have none, Mr. Rugg," said Mrs. Middleton, coldly. "The fact is, we are necessary to each other. Each can promote the interests of the other."
"That's so, ma'am. Let's shake hands on that," said Rudolph, advancing with outstretched hand.
"No, thank you," said Mrs. Middleton, coldly. "You forget yourself, sir. Do not forget that I am a lady, and that you are--"
"We are equal, ma'am in this matter," said Rudolph, offended. "You needn't shrink from shaking hands with me."
"That is not in the agreement," said Mrs. Middleton, haughtily. "I shall do what I have agreed, but except so far as it is necessary in the way of business, I wish you to keep yourself away from me. We belong to different grades in society."
"Why didn't you say that the other day, ma'am?" said Rudolph, frowning.
"Because I didn't suppose it to be necessary. You did not offer to shake hands with me then. Besides, at that time you had not--"
"Pushed the boy down the well, if that's what you mean," said Rudolph, bluntly.
"Hush! don't refer to that. I advise you this for your own sake."
"Mr. Rugg, all this discussion is idle. It can do no good. For whatever service you have rendered, you shall be well paid. That you understand. But it is best that we should know as little of each other henceforth as possible. It might excite suspicion, as you can understand."
"Perhaps you are right, ma'am," said Rudolph, slowly.
"Call here day after to-morrow, and I will let you know by what steamer I take passage for England, that you may obtain a ticket. Good afternoon."
Rudolph left the lady's presence not wholly pleased.
"Why wouldn't she shake my hand?" he muttered to himself. "She's as deep in it as I am."