CHAPTER V
INEZ
WITH a big effort I managed to pull myself together, and much to Miralda’s surprise I covered my momentary confusion with a hearty laugh and a sentence spoken for the benefit of the other two who were now within earshot.
“I’m afraid I’ve bored you frightfully, but I couldn’t resist sparing a few minutes from this concession-mongering business. And after your saying that the viscontesse remembers our chats in Paris, I shall certainly ask her to allow me to call.”
I succeeded in speaking in the tone of a quite casual acquaintance, and I turned to find two pairs of eyes fixed intently upon me.
Whether the fellow who now called himself Major Sampayo recognized me I could not tell, but his companion did, and I waited for her to decide whether we were to acknowledge that we had met.
She made no sign and I made my bow to Miralda and was moving off when the major intervened.
“Will you present me to your friend, Miralda?”
I could have kicked him for the glib use of her name. I paused and turned with a smile, as if highly pleased by the request. If I knew myself, the kicking would come later.
“Mr. Donnington, may I introduce Major Sampayo?” said Miralda, a little nervously.
I bowed and smirked, but behind the entrenchment of English reserve I made no offer to take his hand.