The captain shook his head.
“No,” he answered bluntly, “I don’t. Since she came back from London--” he paused.
“Yes, since she came back from London?” suggested the Count.
“She seems more determined than ever.”
The Count was looking at him keenly.
“Then,” he said, “you also have noticed a change.”
Captain Bontnor shuffled in his seat and likewise in his speech.
“I suppose,” he said, “that she has grown into a woman. Adversity’s done it.”
“Yes,” said the Count, “your observations seem to me to be correct. I had the pleasure of seeing her once or twice when she was staying at Mrs. Harrington’s; but I did not refer to the question raised at my house in Barcelona, because I noticed the change to which you allude. Instead, I attempted to gain the co-operation and assistance of a mutual friend, Henry FitzHenry.”
Cipriani de Lloseta paused and looked at his companion, who in turn gazed stolidly at the fire.