Part 16 (2/2)
”What exactly does 'quits' mean? I don't know much English.”
As Pansy petted the lizards she explained the meaning of the word.
During the explanation one of her proteges recovered, and darted off in a most thankless manner into a crevice in the rocks.
”My name is Le Breton,” he said when he had grasped her meaning.
”Raoul Le Breton.”
Pansy stared at him.
She had surprised him on the occasion of their first meeting, but he had turned the tables on her.
During her stay in Teneriffe she had heard of Raoul Le Breton. He was a French millionaire, an African merchant prince, so rumour said.
She had had a feeling that he had followed her that morning, and she was inclined to be angry about it. Now she saw that if he sought her out, it was not from mercenary motives, since he was quite as wealthy as she was. What was more he had no idea who she was.
”I'm always interested in millionaires,” she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
”All women are,” he responded grimly.
”But you're not the only millionaire in the islands,” she remarked.
”So I've gathered. There is, or was, one here quite recently. An Englishwoman of the name of Langham. I detest women with money. They are invariably ugly and conceited.”
Pansy laughed--a ripple of sheer enjoyment.
”Perhaps their independence annoys you,” she suggested. ”I believe you're what is known as the 'masterful' type.”
With that, her attention went back to the lizards.
Dismounting, Le Breton came to her side.
”You speak French remarkably well,” he commented, as the moments pa.s.sed and no notice was taken of him.
”I was educated in Paris.”
She glanced at him, her eyes br.i.m.m.i.n.g with mischief, and, as she glanced, another of her proteges frisked thanklessly away.
”Wouldn't you like to know my name?” she asked.
”At present it's sufficient that you are 'Pansy.' 'Heart's Ease,'
don't you say in English?”
”I wish I could ease this one poor little beast,” she said, touching the remaining lizard. ”But I fear it's hurt beyond redemption.”
Stooping he picked up the little reptile and examined it. It hung limp in his grasp; a hopeless case.
”The best thing to do with it is to kill it,” he commented.
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