“Because it would excite suspicion which we must avoid—do not interrupt me. I will invite you both or get you there upon some other pretext, and then I will arrange that she shall be brought ashore again and you taken on. Leave it all to me, only swear that you will obey any instructions I may send you for if you do not, I tell you that we have enemies in high places who may part us for ever. Betty, I will be frank, there is a great lady who is jealous, and watches you very closely. Do you swear?”
“Yes, yes, I swear. But about the great lady?”
“Not a word about her—on your life—and mine. You shall hear from me shortly. And now, sweetheart—good-night.”
“Good-night,” said Betty, but still she did not stir.
Then, understanding that she expected something more, d’Aguilar nerved himself to the task, and touched her hair with his lips.
Next moment he regretted it, for even that tempered salute fanned her passion into flame.
Throwing her arms about his neck Betty drew his face to hers and kissed him many times, till at length he broke, half choking, from her embrace, and escaped into the street.
“Mother of Heaven!” he muttered to himself, “the woman is a volcano in eruption. I shall feel her kisses for a week,” and he rubbed his face ruefully with his hand. “I wish I had made some other plan; but it is too late to change it now—she would betray everything. Well, I will be rid of her somehow, if I have to drown her. A hard fate to love the mistress and be loved of the maid!”
CHAPTER IX.
THE SNARE.
On the following morning, when Castell returned, Margaret told him of the visit of d’Aguilar, and of all that had passed between them, told him also that he was acquainted with their secret, since he had spoken of her as half a Jew.