Señora de Socotra shyly nodded and smiled at Greg, and said something to Amy that was evidently intended to be repeated to him. There was a charming, child-like quality in the little lady that was wholly irresistible.
Amy said: "She asks your pardon that she cannot speak your language. She wishes me to thank you for taking such good care of me."
"She thinks you're one of the keepers," chuckled de Socotra.
Through Amy Greg made his best compliments to Señora de Socotra.
Amy soon rose to go. Her adoptive mother clung to her piteously and would not let her go until Amy promised to return the next day, "perhaps to stay." De Socotra accompanied them into the hall, expecting no doubt to learn there the real object of this call. Nor was he disappointed.
"Francisco," said Amy coldly, "it is necessary that Mr. Parr and I discuss with you what is to be done."
"Come into my room," said de Socotra.
"No, we cannot talk here while mamma knows we are still in the house. We want you to come to us in Gibbon Street."
De Socotra elevated his fine eyebrows. "That would be thrusting my head into the lion's mouth!" he said humorously.
"Are you afraid?" taunted Amy.