“Oh! I have done for the present!” said Hilton, with a mocking laugh. “Pray go on.”
“I have not much to say,” said Chumbley slowly; “only that it seems rather a determined way of inviting a couple of fellows to your country home, Princess. It has its good points, though, for you can always make sure of the number you want to have.”
The Princess inclined her head as if in acquiescence, and then looked pleadingly at Hilton, whose brow displayed an angry frown, and who had begun to pace the room, making the bamboo laths bend and creak beneath his weight.
“I knew she had taken a fancy to him,” said Chumbley to himself, as in his quiet dry way he noted what was going on; “but I never could have believed in this. I suppose I was caught and brought to play propriety, and to act as witness to the native ceremony, for she’ll marry Hilton as sure as he’s alive.”
“Of course you will give orders at once for a boat to be in readiness to take us back?” said Hilton haughtily.
“No,” said the Princess, smiling, “I shall not. Surely you are not tired of my hospitality quite so soon?”
“You are trifling, madam,” said Hilton, “and it is time this childish farce was brought to an end. I insist upon your ordering a boat to be in readiness at once.”
“I am sorry I cannot oblige you, Captain Hilton,” said the lady gloomily.
“Why have you done this?” he cried. “Why are we brought here?”
“Why have I had you brought here?” said the Princess in a low, musical voice. “Shall I tell you?”