17
Samh 9.28.1342 21:37
Beritha was not surprised when Mrs. Gillfillian immediately began to sob and moan with less energy as soon as Abaledina left.
“Beritha," the woman said, pushing aside the handkerchiefs and the smelling-bottles, which lay in excess about her. “Beritha, why did you not prevent Abaledina from receiving that fatal message? It will prove the ruin of all our plans, and then I will not be able to give you the extra for your services.”
“What message, madam?" asked Beritha, feigning innocence with great simplicity.
“The one from Eriath in which he refuses to marry her. You examined them—you always do," said Mrs. Gillfillian, looking sternly at the her.
Her countenance was immovable and inexpressive. Mrs. Gillfillian had no power over her. “I did examine the messages today as you ordered, but the message you mention escaped my notice.”
“Beritha,” her mistress said, after a pause, “supposing I send you from my house for this act of disobedience, refuse to pay you what I promised upon Eriath's marriage with Abaledina, and prevent you from being admitted into another fashionable family in the city.”
“I don’t think you are that foolish, madam. I am too useful to you," said Beritha, boldly, as she twirled one of the cords from the canopy over Mrs. Gillfillian’s bed nonchalantly. “There are the other reasons dismissing me would be a bad choice. I know the part you have acted toward your Eriath and Abaledina even though you know they should never be married. I do not think you want to, therefore, risk the exposure of that secret by depriving me of a home.
“You know, madam,” she continued, “for I told you years ago: I work as I am paid. Unfortunately, of late, you have grown miserly. It has recently occurred to me that Miss Abaledina will give me as much if not more to reveal to her your long-cherished secret. I wish for the money, and I care not how it comes to me."
“What would you have?” Mrs. Gillfillian asked sternly. Her rage was beyond expression, but Beritha did not fear it. “You came to me nearly a beggar—just look at yourself in that mirror—many a lady would be proud of the dress you wear. In my house, too, you have the utmost freedom. You receive company when you choose, you order the other servants, you control everything to your wish, but now you presume to interfere with the plans which I have labored years to achieve. This is your gratitude!”
"I know nothing of gratitude or ingratitude," replied Beritha, pertly. “As I said, I work for money. I am well assured that Abaledina would give two hundred-thousand-notes to learn my secret.” Here, she paused. Despite Jeanilotta’s belief in his affection for her, she had a feeling Viscount Elwynalam would pay at least that to know her secret. However, she wanted to keep that card to herself. “You have promised me one hundred-thousand-note upon the week of their marriage. If you will secure to me two hundred-thousand-notes instead, I will be silent; if not, I will tell her all."
Her proud mistress groaned aloud at having the tables turned, but she was well aware hysterics had less effect on her maid than they had on her husband or child. Beritha maintained her impenetrable visage.
“I will promise,” Mrs. Gillfillian said with effort. Beritha left the room and quickly returned with her com-tab.
“It must be a written promise. I have taken the liberty of writing it out. You just need to sign here with your fingerprint.” Beritha smiled. Jeanilotta was not the only person who could bend her parents to her will.
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