She will put you in the way of getting on a sound
financial basis."
Ransome spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, like a man stating a
simple business proposition. Susan understood. She rose. Her
expression was neither shock nor indignation; but it was none
the less a negative.
"It's the regular thing, my dear," urged Ransome. "To make a
start, to get in right, you can't afford to be squeamish. The
way I suggest is the simplest and most direct of several that
all involve the same thing. And the surest. You look
steady-headed--self-reliant. You look sensible----"
Susan smiled rather forlornly. "But I'm not," said she. "Not yet."
Ransome regarded her with a sympathy which she felt was
genuine. "I'm sorry, my dear. I've done the best I can for
you. You may think it a very poor best--and it is. But"--he
shrugged his shoulders--"I didn't make this world and its
conditions for living. I may say also that I'm not the
responsible party--the party in charge. However----"
To her amazement he held out a five-dollar bill. "Here's your
fee back." He laughed at her expression. "Oh, I'm not a
robber," said he. "I only wish I could serve you. I didn't
think you were so--" his eyes twinkled--"so unreasonable, let
us say. Among those who don't know anything about life there's
an impression that my sort of people are in the business of
dragging women down.
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