But Madame Mathis had already taken offence. “It is disgraceful,” she said angrily, “that such things should be said when there are women present. With men alone it would not be polite.”
“Ah yes!” said Mathis. “My wife and I are not hypocrites but there are some things that should not be said.” He looked as if he were pleased to be able, for once, to side with his wife. Her surprise was almost pathetic. They proceeded to make the most of the occasion.
She said: “Monsieur Gallindo should apologize.”
“I must insist,” said Mathis, “that you apologize to my wife.”
José stared at them in angry astonishment. “Apologize? What for?”
“He will apologize,” said Josette. She turned to him and broke into Spanish. “Apologize, you dirty fool. Do you want trouble? Don’t you see he’s showing off to the woman? He would break you in pieces.”
José shrugged. “Very well.” He looked insolently at the Mathises. “I apologize. What for, I do not know, but I apologize.”
“My wife accepts the apology,” said Mathis stiffly. “It is not gracious but it is accepted.”
“An officer says,” remarked Mr. Kuvetli tactfully, “that we shall not be able to see Messina because it will be dark.”
But this elephantine change of subject was unnecessary for at that moment Banat came through the door from the promenade deck.