title that will stand, in want of a better one."

There was a momentary silence while the unhappy woman struggled
with herself. Then:

"You took advantage of my ignorance of business to rob me," she
declared. "Well, I know something about the Government officials:
if they would make a law to fit my case they will make one to fit
yours. When I tell them what you have done perhaps you will not
fare so well with them as you expect." She was fighting now with
the desperation of one cornered.

"Perhaps." Cueto shrugged. "That is what I want to talk to you
about, if only you will be sensible. Now then, let us be frank.
Inasmuch as we're both in much the same fix, hadn't we better
continue our present arrangements?" He stared unblinkingly at his
listener. "Oh, I mean it! Is it not better for you to be content
with what my generosity prompts me to give, rather than to risk
ruin for both of us by grasping for too much?"

"Merciful God! The outrage! I warrant you have grown rich through
your stealing." Isabel's voice had gone flat with consternation.

"Rich? Well, not exactly, but comfortably well off." Cueto
actually smiled again. "No doubt my frankness is a shock to you.
You are angry at my proposition, eh? Never mind. You will think
better of it in time, if you are a sensible woman."

"What a fiend! Have you no sentiment?"