‘No! That is just where it is. I have hardly seen anything of her since the fever broke out. Father is not quite certain whether it is contagious or not, and whilst there is a doubt, he thinks it better I should keep away from the White House. But old Jessica says that Quita is not looking at all well, and she is afraid there is something serious the matter with her.’
De Courcelles fired up again directly.
‘Curse the old fool! What business is it of hers how she looks! It’s this infernal tittle-tattle from house to house, that makes all the mischief in the world.’
‘Oh, Henri! You forget Jessica was Quita’s nurse. Why, she loves her like her own child, and she says she has been very depressed lately, and is often crying. What should make her cry, Henri? Has she any trouble?’
‘Don’t ask me! How should I know?’ he answered roughly. ‘Miss Courtney is not likely to confide her troubles to her father’s overseer. But I see no difference in her.’
‘Perhaps it is only Jessica’s anxiety,’ said Liz thoughtfully. ‘But I am always dreaming of this fever, and Maraquita is too delicate to battle against it. I wish Mr Courtney would send her out of the island until it is dispersed.’
‘You don’t think of going yourself, though.’
‘I! Oh, dear no! I should be a coward to run away from these poor people when I can be of use to them. But Maraquita is different. She has nothing to do but to think of the trouble and brood over it, and she is easily alarmed. She would be much better away.’
‘I suppose if her parents thought so they would send her. They have sufficient money to do anything. But we have discussed the subject enough, Liz, and I am weary of it. Where is your father?’
‘Here he is,’ replied Liz, in a brisk and cheerful tone, as Dr Fellows entered the bungalow.