He looked at her steadily before he explained:
“Because you are a woman.”
“What has that got to do with it? I am your relative, and rich. How much do you want? If your scheme is really sound, I imagine my solicitors might sanction my co-operation.”
Again he hesitated.
“Thank you, Rita. You are a good sort. But I am not here on a matter of high finance. I want you to lend me, say, £250. I will return to the Argentine, and take twenty years to accomplish what I could do in five with the necessary capital.”
“Come and see me in the morning. The sum you name is absurdly small, in any case. Perhaps Mr. Brett will accompany you. His advice will be useful to both of us. Come early. I leave here to-morrow.”
“Going away! Where to?”
“To Whitby, in Yorkshire.”
“Well, that is curious,” said Robert, who clearly did not like to question her about her husband.
“Mr. Capella is in Naples,” she added. “I cannot say when he will return.”