``You mustn't be unjust,'' she pleaded. ``WE aren't THAT wicked,
my dear.''

Selma looked at her. ``No matter,'' she said. ``I am not trying
to convert you--or to denounce your friends to you. I'll explain
what I've come for. In his speech to-day and in inducing the
union to change, Victor has shown how much power he has. The men
whose plans he has upset will be hating him as men hate only
those whom they fear.''

``Yes--I believe that,'' said Jane. ``So, you see, I'm not
blindly prejudiced.''

``For a long time there have been rumors that they might kill
him----''

``Absurd!'' cried Jane angrily. ``Miss Gordon, no matter how
prejudiced you may be--and I'll admit there are many things to
justify you in feeling strongly --but no matter how you may feel,
your good sense must tell you that men like my father don't
commit murder.''

``I understand perfectly,'' replied Selma. ``They don't commit
murder, and they don't order murder. I'll even say that I don't
think they would tolerate murder, even for their benefit. But
you don't know how things are done in business nowadays. The men
like your father have to use men of the Kelly and the House
sort--you know who they are?''