“Why do you disturb me, Daughter?” he said testily, and without looking round. “Have not things gone ill enough with half the cargo destroyed by sea-water, and the rest, that you must trouble me while I sum up my losses?” And, casting the pen down, he turned his stool round impatiently.
Yes! there sure enough stood d’Aguilar, very handsomely arrayed, and smiling and bowing as was his custom.
CHAPTER VIII.
D’AGUILAR SPEAKS.
“Losses?” said d’Aguilar. “Do I hear the wealthy John Castell, who holds half the trade with Spain in the hollow of his hand, talk of losses?”
“Yes, Señor, you do. Things have gone ill with this ship of mine that has barely lived through the spring gales. But be seated.”
“Indeed, is that so?” said d’Aguilar as he sat down. “What a lying jade is rumour! For I was told that they had gone very well. Doubtless, however, what is loss to you would be priceless gain to one like me.”
Castell made no answer, but waited, feeling that his visitor had not come to speak with him of his trading ventures.
“Señor Castell,” said d’Aguilar, with a note of nervousness in his voice, “I am here to ask you for something.”
“If it be a loan, Señor, I fear that the time is not opportune.” And he nodded towards the sheet of figures.
“It is not a loan; it is a gift.”