"It's a lie," she muttered, and her face went white, while her lips tightened and her eyes flashed fire. "Do you mean to say that anyone--anyone--" she clasped her throat as though she were choking, "that anyone dares to--to report this--this engagement?"
"Dr. Browne says Miss Tedder is to marry the Captain, Señora."
Donna Maria's hands clenched themselves, and she spoke more to herself than to her companion.
"That would account for--for--but no. He would not be such a villain. Besides, there's Manco Capac's treasure, and he loves me,--I am certain he loves me. The treasure will tempt him, and--" here she became aware that Kind was listening eagerly, and stopped abruptly to ask a question. "Will Miss Tedder be rich?" she demanded, calming herself with difficulty.
"Yes," replied Kind promptly, and lying advisedly, "she inherits fifty thousand a year from her father."
Señora Guzman passed a lace handkerchief across her mouth.
"It's a great deal of money. She is pretty too,--a doll though; not like----" she glanced in the near mirror at her splendid face, and drew herself up proudly. "Oh," she flung the handkerchief across the room, "it's impossible,--quite impossible. Here," she turned on him energetically, "you are one who wanders about the country. I saw you at the inquest and was told that you so wandered. That is why I have been so frank. You may chance on Mr. Herries, bring him to me!"
"But why--why----?"
"If I find you trustworthy I will explain. Now go." Kind went, and was glad to go, for his head was whirling.