"She is Maraquando's ward," replied Jack, colouring a little.
"With whom you are in love?"
"I didn't say that Philip."
"No; but you looked it."
Peter chuckled, whereat Duval turned on him crossly.
"I wish you would stop making such a row, Peter; I can't hear myself speak."
"Well, what about Doña Dolores?" persisted Philip, maliciously.
"Doña Dolores," repeated Jack, calmly, "is the woman whom I hope to make my wife."
At this startling announcement there was a dead silence.
"I congratulate you, Jack," said Cassim, gravely, after a momentary pause. "I hope you will ask us all to your wedding. But what has this story of politics, railways, and love to do with the harlequin opal?"