"That appears to be the result, no matter how you may endeavor to disguise it."
"I thought the days were gone when a man would wish to marry a woman against her will."
"Nonsense! What does she know about it? The glamour of this island romance will soon wear off. It would be different if Anstruther were able to maintain her even decently. He is an absolute beggar, I tell you. Didn't he ship on your own vessel as a steward? Take my tip, Deane. Tell him how matters stand with you, and he will cool off."
He believed nothing of the sort, but he was desperately anxious that Iris should learn the truth as to her father's dilemma from other lips than his own. This would be the first point gained. Others would follow.
The two men were conversing in the Earl's cabin. On the deck overhead a very different chat was taking place.
The Orient was due in Singapore that afternoon. Iris was invited into the chart-room on some pretext, and Lieutenant Playdon, delegated by the commander and the first lieutenant, buttonholed Robert.
With sailor-like directness he came straight to the point—
"A few of us have been talking about you, Anstruther, and we cannot be far wrong in assuming that you are hard up. The fact that you took a steward's job on the Sirdar shows your disinclination to appeal to your own people for funds. Now, once you are ashore, you will be landed in difficulties. To cut any further explanations, I am commissioned to offer you a loan of fifty pounds, which you can repay when you like."
Robert's mouth tightened somewhat. For the moment he could not find words. Playdon feared he was offended.
"I am sorry, old chap, if we are mistaken," he said hesitatingly; "but we really thought—"