“It is,” she said after a time.
The unexpected bitterness of her tone struck Lingard with dismay.
“Don't be offended,” he entreated. “I've got to plan a way out of this mess. It's no play either. Could you pretend?”
“Perhaps, if I tried very hard. But to what end?”
“You must all shift aboard the brig,” he began, speaking quickly, “and then we may get over this trouble without coming to blows. Now, if you were to say that you wish it; that you feel unsafe in the yacht—don't you see?”
“I see,” she pronounced, thoughtfully.
“The brig is small but the cuddy is fit for a lady,” went on Lingard with animation.
“Has it not already sheltered a princess?” she commented, coolly.
“And I shall not intrude.”
“This is an inducement.”