Part 39 (2/2)
”Is--is it you?” she faltered.
”Yes, you find me changed, eh?”
”A--a little,” she answered.
The flicker of a smile crossed Calamity's face again as he looked at her.
”You are the same as ever, anyhow,” he commented.
His words restored Lady Betty's self-possession. His altered appearance had frightened her at first, and she had not recognised in him the man she had once promised to marry. But now he had spoken in a familiar language words which showed, as she thought, that, despite the years, her charms had not lessened in his eyes.
”I am so glad you have come back,” she said softly.
At that moment, to her annoyance, McPhulach came up accompanied by a porter.
”He says it will be ane an' saxpence to tak' the luggage,” said the engineer indignantly.
”Pay him then,” answered Calamity.
”But, mon, 'tis only a sheeling, forby----”
”Pay him,” snapped Calamity, and McPhulach grumblingly paid the money in pennies and half-pennies, counting them twice before handing them over.
”Won't you get in?” asked Lady Betty, as Calamity again turned to her.
He obeyed, at the same time calling to McPhulach, who was watching the luggage being hoisted on to the station 'bus. As he approached--an uncouth figure in an ill-fitting, ready-made overcoat--Lady Betty elevated her eyebrows.
”Who is this?” she whispered quickly.
”Let me introduce him,” answered the Captain.
”Lady Betty Redhurst, Mr. Jones, until recently my chief engineer.
Jones, Lady Betty Redhurst.”
”I'm unco' pleased tae meet ye,” said McPhulach, extending a huge red hand with its blunt, misshapen fingers. ”I'm frae Pontypreed mesel',” he added inconsequently.
The elegant woman touched the engineer's hairy paw with the tips of her gloved fingers and smiled sweetly.
”Better sit down there,” said Calamity, indicating the seat opposite, but Lady Betty spoke hastily.
”Wouldn't you prefer to sit in front, Mr. Jones?” she asked, with seeming solicitude for his comfort; ”you can see the country much better there, and it's really very pretty just now.”
McPhulach, only too glad of a chance to sit beside the chauffeur, where he might smoke, obeyed with alacrity, and the Captain had to own himself out-manoeuvred. The chauffeur then took his seat, and the car glided noiselessly out of the station precincts.
”Does it seem strange to you to be coming home again?” asked Lady Betty in a voice which sounded almost caressing.
”It does--very,” answered Calamity.
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