We've shut the house
for the night. You're in a first-rate house, my dear, and if
you behave yourself, you'll make money--a lot more than you
ever could at a dive like Zeist's. If you don't behave well,
we'll teach you how. This building belongs to one of the big
men in politics, and he looks after my interests--and he ought
to, considering the rent I pay--five hundred a month--for the
three upper floors. The bar's let separate. Would you like a
nice drink?"
"No," said Susan. Trapped! Hopelessly trapped! And she would
never escape until, diseased, her looks gone, ruined in body
and soul, she was cast out into the hospital and the gutter.
"As I was saying," ventured the madam, "you might as well
settle down quietly."
"I'm very well satisfied," said Susan. "I suppose you'll give
me a square deal on what I make." She laughed quietly as if
secretly amused at something. "In fact, I know you will," she
added in a tone of amused confidence.
"As soon as you've paid up your twenty-five a week for room and
board and the fifty for the parlor dress----"
Susan interrupted her with a laugh. "Oh, come off," said she.
"I'll not stand for that. I'll go back to Jim Finnegan."
The old woman's eyes pounced for her face instantly. "Do you
know Finnegan?"
"I'm his girl," said Susan carelessly. She stretched herself
and yawned. "I got mad at him and started out for some fun.
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