"My husband couldn't supply me with a thousand cents, even if he were willing." "Much as I am flattered by your application," said Somerville, with a polite sneer, "since it would seem to place me next in estimation to your husband, I cannot help suggesting that it is not usual to bestow such a sum on a stranger, or even a friend, without an equivalent rendered." "I am ready to give you an equivalent." "Of what nature ?" "I am willing to be silent." "And how can your silence benefit me ?" "That you will be best able to estimate." "Explain yourself, and bear in mind that I can bestow little time on you." "I can do that in a few words.

You employed me to kidnap a child.

I believe the law has something to say about that.

At any rate, the child's mother may have." "What do you know about the child's mother ?" demanded Somerville, hastily.
"All about her!" said Peg, emphatically.
"How am I to credit that?
It is easy to claim a knowledge you do not possess." "Shall I tell you the whole story, then?
In the first place, she married your cousin, after rejecting you.

You never forgave her for this.