— 40 —Mrs. Sacret was considerably perturbed by Susan’s attitude. For several days she tried to alter it by specious arguments, but the younger woman was immovable and Mrs. Sacret was forced to admit to herself that the obstinate creature had resolved to indulge her stupid remorse, or grief, and to have nothing to do with her former lover or her former life. Moreover, that she had determined not to have any pretenses in her relationship with her tormentor, to drop all pretenses of friendship with her and, though willing to buy her silence at a handsome price, she was no longer willing to disguise the brutal nature of the ugly transaction.
The situation galled Mrs. Sacret’s pride. Susan did not abuse her, nor even express scorn, there was a blank indifference in her attitude to her compani
