Part 27 (2/2)
The captain was not listening; he was looking at the modest lodging- house sideboard.
”I was wondering,” he explained, with a transparent simplicity which was perhaps as good as that which is called good breeding, ”whether you would take a gla.s.s of sherry wine.”
”I should like nothing better,” said the Count. ”It will give me pleasure to take a gla.s.s of wine with you.”
Quietly, imperceptibly, De Lloseta set Captain Bontnor at his ease, and at the same time he mastered him. They spoke of indifferent topics--topics which, however, were well within the captain's knowledge of the world. Then suddenly the Count laid aside the social mask which he wore with such consummate ease.
”I came down to Somarsh,” he said, ”because I am deeply distressed at your reverse of fortune. I came to see you, captain, because when I had the pleasure of meeting you at Barcelona I saw you to be a just man, and one to whom one could speak openly. I am a rich man--you understand. Need I say more?”
Captain Bontnor blinked uncertainly.
”No,” he answered, ”I'm thinkin' it isn't necessary.”
”Not between men of the world,” urged Cipriani de Lloseta. ”It is not for your sake. I would not insult you in such a way. It is for Eve. For a woman's sake a man may easily sacrifice his pride.”
The captain nodded and glanced at the clock. He had not fully realised until that moment how dependent he was upon his niece.
”You know,” continued the Count, following up his advantage, ”all the somewhat peculiar circ.u.mstances of the case. Do you think there is any chance of Eve's reconsidering her decision?”
The captain shook his head.
”No,” he answered bluntly, ”I don't. Since she came back from London--” he paused.
”Yes, since she came back from London?” suggested the Count.
”She seems more determined than ever.”
The Count was looking at him keenly.
”Then,” he said, ”you also have noticed a change.”
Captain Bontnor shuffled in his seat and likewise in his speech.
”I suppose,” he said, ”that she has grown into a woman. Adversity's done it.”
”Yes,” said the Count, ”your observations seem to me to be correct.
I had the pleasure of seeing her once or twice when she was staying at Mrs. Harrington's; but I did not refer to the question raised at my house in Barcelona, because I noticed the change to which you allude. Instead, I attempted to gain the co-operation and a.s.sistance of a mutual friend, Henry FitzHenry.”
Cipriani de Lloseta paused and looked at his companion, who in turn gazed stolidly at the fire.
”And I received a rebuff,” added the Count. He waited for some little time, but Captain Bontnor had no comment to offer, so De Lloseta went on: ”Challoner was one of my best friends. I do not feel disposed to let the matter drop, more especially now that you have been compelled to leave Malabar Cottage. I propose entreating Miss Challoner to reconsider her decision. Will you help me?”
”Yes,” answered Captain Bontnor, ”I will.”
”Then tell me if Eve has accepted a.s.sistance from Mrs. Harrington?”
”Yes, she has.”
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