"You talk nonsense," said Fan, doggedly. "I love Frank--"
"Pardon me, you loved Starth."
Fan objected loudly, while the eyes of Balkis flashed. "I never did, Eustace, I hated him."
"You loved Starth," repeated Jarman, mercilessly. "I have it in your own handwriting."
Without a word Balkis darted forward, and held out the letter. The other woman laughed. "That is a trick of Mr. Jarman's," she said.
"It is not a trick," hissed the negress. "Look you, I loved Walter with all my heart and soul. He would have married me. Yes, you may laugh"--she glared like a brave lioness on Berry and Darrel--"but he would have married me. I loved him, and this white woman stole his love."
Fairy Fan changed colour at the sight of this rage on the part of Balkis, and even the Captain looked uneasy. He was well aware that Balkis had it in her power to make things unpleasant for him, and was quite willing to save his own skin by deserting his niece. Fan still kept her courage, and denied the letter.
"I wrote that with a purpose. It is not true. I swear it!"
"Though you swore a hundred oaths I should not believe you," said Balkis, stamping. "You loved my Walter, you took him from me. I will punish you. I will--I will!" She shook her fist in a paroxysm of rage and dashed into the inner room.
Fan stared at Eustace. "This is your work," she said, looking pale.