Then came a decidedly disagreeable surprise.
As I stepped on to the quay, Inez was waiting for me, her servant standing by with wraps. With one of her most radiant smiles she gave me her hand and reminded me that I had invited her to see the yacht. “So when I heard Miralda and the viscontesse were going to-day, I thought this would be just a chance of chances.”
“Of course, delighted,” I replied very cordially. I couldn’t very well tell her she wasn’t wanted; so I buttoned up my chagrin and made the best of it. “We’re going to have a little run out to sea.”
“You’re quite sure I shall not upset your plans?” she asked, knowing quite well that that was precisely what she was doing.
“My dear lady, what plans do you think I have that could be spoilt? There’s heaps of room on the Stella for us all.”
“I mean with regard to Miralda, Mr. Donnington,” she said, dropping her light tone and fixing those queer eyes of hers on me.
“I hope to give both the viscontesse and her daughter a pleasant day’s outing. You don’t consider that a very deadly plan, I hope.”
“You may remember my warning?”
“I try to make it a rule to remember only the pleasant things which are said to me by beautiful ladies, contesse.”
“You mean you refuse to be warned?”