“You would better tell me the story,” said Elaine, pushing back the cards.
And Davila told her....
“It is too absurd!” laughed Elaine, “those rogues trying to force Geoffrey to divide what he hasn’t got, and can’t find, and we abducted to constrain him. He couldn’t comply if he wanted to, poor fellow!”
“But they will never believe it,” said Davila.
“And, meanwhile, we suffer. Well, if we’re not rescued shortly, I can advance the price and buy our freedom. They want half a million. Hum! I reckon two hundred thousand will be sufficient—and, maybe, we can compromise for one hundred thousand. Oh! it’s not so bad, Davila, it’s not so bad!”
She smiled, shrewdly. Unless she were wofully mistaken, this abduction would release her from the embarrassment of declaring herself to Geoffrey. She could handle the matter, now.
“What is it?” asked Davila. “Why are you smiling so queerly?”
“I was thinking of Colin and Geoffrey—and how they are pretty sure to know their minds when this affair is ended.”
“Exactly! I mean, if this doesn’t bring Colin to his senses, he is hopeless.”