Behold I”—
Here he stopped suddenly, catching sight of Crispin, but, instead of being astonished at the unexpected meeting, as the poet expected, he simply stood still, leaning on his stick, and laughing at the look on the other’s face.
“Ah, ah, Creespeen!” he said in Greek, with a smile; “you did not expect to see me in this place.”
“Certainly I did not,” retorted Crispin in the same language, marvelling at the self-possession of the man; “and I’ve no doubt the meeting is unexpected on both sides.”
“Not with me; oh no! That priest—the Papa I saw this morning told me you were here, and your friend also informed me of your presence.”
“What are you doing here?”
“Ah, that is a long story, my good Creespeen,” replied Caliphronas coolly, “and one I do not choose to tell.”
“You have some design in your head.”
“Assuredly,” said the Count mockingly; “I would not come to this cold island for pleasure.”
“Ah, I see you are as great a scoundrel as ever!”