Part 27 (1/2)

”It sounds very ungracious, madam, but I am already in your debt, and one is naturally shy about asking favours of that kind from women. I almost think there are special reasons why it should be so in my case.”

”That, presumably, means somebody has used you badly? Still, it really isn't wise to generalise too freely, and you were once good enough to promise that you would consider me as a friend of yours.”

”I could scarcely have fancied you were particularly friendly a little while ago.”

The little lady smiled again. ”I offer you my sincere apologies, Mr.

Austin. And now a question. Did you tell Jacinta what you have told us?”

”I certainly did not. To be candid, I hadn't the slightest encouragement. Miss Brown made it quite clear to me that she hadn't a trace of interest in any of my doings. In fact, she was kind enough to suggest it was rather a pity I escaped the fever, and hadn't come back upon my s.h.i.+eld.”

”For which she will probably be distinctly annoyed with herself by and by. I presume you must catch the Spanish steamer, Mr. Austin?”

”Of course. After all, I shall be glad to get back. People are not so very exacting in Africa, you see.”

Mrs. Hatherly nodded, though there was a twinkle in her eyes. ”Well,”

she said, ”we will talk of something else in the meanwhile. I am alone just now, and you cannot decently leave me.”

They discussed a good many things, and it seemed to Austin that his companion meant to keep him there, and was anxious to gain time. Still, he could see no reason for it, and failed to understand her remark about Jacinta, and he sat still with an effort until Muriel came back again.

She appeared a trifle vexed about something.

”I don't know what has happened to Jacinta, but she wasn't in the least sympathetic,” she said. ”She wouldn't even listen when I wanted to talk about Harry and the _c.u.mbria_.”

”Where is she now?” asked Mrs. Hatherly.

”With the Senora Anasona. They are going back to Laguna directly, though she had, as you know, practically promised to stay with us to-night. The senora, it seems, wants to drive her across to her finca at Orotava to-morrow. It is very provoking.”

Mrs. Hatherly changed the subject, and it was a minute or two later when she turned to Austin again.

”I suppose it is really necessary that you should cross to Las Palmas to-morrow,” she said casually. ”Couldn't you get there in the _Estremedura_ before the West-coast boat sailed?”

”There are several things I have to do which can't well be arranged here.”

”You would insist on getting them all done, even if you knew it would cost you something?”

”I really think I should. You see, Jefferson and the others are practically depending on me, and I daren't omit anything I want, whatever trouble it might cause me, although, as a matter of fact, I don't antic.i.p.ate any, and it will be rather a relief to get away.”

”Ah!” said Mrs. Hatherly. ”Well, I suppose that is only what one would expect from you. Muriel, will you tell Jacinta that she has not shown me the lace she mentioned, and as I think I'll get the woman at Laguna to make me some, I want to see it before she goes away. I shall have to keep you another few minutes, Mr. Austin.”

Muriel disappeared into the crowd, and it was a little time before she came back again.

”Jacinta has just driven off with the senora,” she said. ”I can't quite understand why she didn't come to say good-bye.”

Austin smiled drily. ”I think I could guess her reason.”

Mrs. Hatherly rose and held out her hand. ”If you can come and see us to-morrow, please do so,” she said. ”If not, you will remember now that whatever happens I am one of your friends.”

”I shall be glad to do so, madam,” and Austin made her a little inclination. ”Good friends are scarce, and there are apparently not many people who believe in me.”