"Captain Jadby can explain," replied Shepworth suavely.
"And may I suggest," said Prelice politely, "that in explaining, Captain Jadby might remember that there are two ladies present."
The buccaneer shrugged his shoulders, and pointedly turned his back on Prelice, a rudeness which that young gentleman noted carefully, intending to rebuke Jadby later for the same. "You are, I understand, Miss Chent, engaged to Mr. Shepworth," he said to Mona insolently.
She glanced at Shepworth, but kept her temper. "Everyone knows that news! It is common property."
"And I love you," he went on steadily.
"Rather a public place to speak like that to me, Captain Jadby."
"I am true to you, and he," pointing to Shepworth, "is false. He loves another woman."
"And I forbid you to mention that woman's name," cried Shepworth meaningly.
"Then you admit it!" cried the sailor triumphantly.
"He does," said Mona unexpectedly, "because I know it."