They surprised and shocked me at the time, and I have not forgotten them.

People who deal with the devil usually have the devil to pay; and your case, it seems, is not to be an exception." Mrs.Bray had assumed an air of entire equality with her visitor.
A long silence followed, during which Mrs.Dinneford walked the floor with the quick, restless motions of a caged animal.
"How long do you think two hundred dollars will satisfy her ?" she asked, at length, pausing and turning to her companion.
"It is impossible for me to say," was answered; "not long, unless you can manage to frighten her off; you must threaten hard." Another silence followed.
"I did not expect to be called on for so large a sum," Mrs.Dinneford said at length, in a husky voice, taking out her pocket-book as she spoke.

"I have only a hundred dollars with me.

Give her that, and put her off until to-morrow." "I will do the best I can with her," replied Mrs.Bray, reaching out her hand for the money, "but I think it will be safer for you to let me have the balance to-day.

She will, most likely, take it into her head that I have received the whole sum from you, and think I am trying to cheat her.