Part 38 (2/2)
”You hardly expected to see me, perhaps; but I was miraculously saved.”
McKay spoke slowly, and the delay gave Mrs. Wilders time to collect herself.
”I am most thankful. It has lifted a load off my mind. I feared you were lost.”
”Yes; the sea seldom gives up its prey. But enough about myself. You are going in to see the general, I think; do not let me detain you.”
”I shall be very pleased to see you on board the yacht.”
”Thank you, Mrs. Wilders; I am sure you will. But to me such a visit would be very painful. My last recollections of the _Arcadia_ are not too agreeable.”
”Of course not. You were so devoted to my poor dear husband.”
Mrs. Wilders would not acknowledge his meaning.
”But I shall see you again before I leave, I trust.”
”My stay here is very short. I am only on a special mission, and I must return to the Crimea without delay. But we shall certainly meet again some day, Mrs. Wilders; you may rely on that.”
There was meaning, menace even, in this last speech, and it gave Mrs.
Wilders food for serious thought.
McKay did not pause to say more. He was too eager to go elsewhere.
His first visit, as in duty bound, had been to report his arrival and set on foot the business that had brought him. His second was to see sweet Mariquita, the girl of his choice.
They had exchanged several letters. His had been brief, hurried accounts of his doings, a.s.suring her of his safety after every action and of his unalterable affection; hers were the artless outpourings of a warm, pa.s.sionate nature tortured by ever-present heartrending anxiety for the man she loved best in the world. There had been no time to warn her of his visit to Gibraltar, and his appearance was entirely unexpected there.
Things were much the same at the cigar-shop. McKay walked boldly in and found La Zandunga, as usual, behind the counter, but alone. She got up, and, not recognising him, bowed obsequiously. Officers were rare visitors in Bombardier Lane and McKay's staff-uniform inspired respect.
”You are welcome, sir. In what can we serve you? Our tobacco is greatly esteemed. We import our cigars--the finest--direct from La Havanna; our cigarettes are made in the house.”
”You do not seem to remember me,” said McKay, quietly. ”I hope Mariquita is well?”
”Heaven protect me! It is the Sergeant--”
”Lieutenant, you mean.”
”An officer! already! You have been fortunate, sir.” La Zandunga spoke without cordiality and was evidently hesitating how to receive him.
”What brings you here?”
”I want to see Mariquita.” The old crone stared at him with stony disapproval. ”I have but just arrived from the Crimea to buy horses and mules for the army.”
”Many?” Her manner instantly changed. This was business for her husband, who dealt much in horseflesh.
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