Van Torp went back to the main saloon and found Lady Maud and Kralinsky there. She was apparently about to leave the Count, for she was coming towards the door, and her eyes were dark and angry.
'Rufus,' she said, 'this man is my husband, and insists that I should take him back. I will not. Will you kindly have me put ashore before you start again? My things are ready now.'
'Excuse me,' answered Mr. Van Torp, digging his large thumbs into his waistcoat pockets, 'there's a mistake. He's not your husband.'
'He is, indeed!' cried Lady Maud, in a tone her friend never forgot.
'I am Boris Leven,' said Kralinsky in an authoritative tone, and coming forward almost defiantly. 'Then why did you tell the Tartar girl that your name was George?' asked Mr. Van Torp, unmoved.
'I did not.'
'You've evidently forgotten. That Greek gentleman speaks Tartar better than you. I wonder where you learned it! He's just told me you said your name was George.' [{420}]
'My name is George Boris,' answered Kralinsky, less confidently.
He was not a coward, but he had never been face to face with Van Torp when he meant business, and the terrible American cowed him.
'My husband's name is only Boris—nothing else,' said Lady Maud.