"And you took the hint?"
"Gladly—proudly."
"My dear Gilbert, I'm afraid you're very far gone," exclaimed Mortimer, laughing.
Adelaide Horton's heart sank as she received the young engineer's cold salutation. She felt that he despised both herself and her brother for their conduct to Cora. Mrs. Montresor and Adelaide soon withdrew to the saloon, for the sight of Gilbert Margrave was painful to the impetuous girl.
The scene on board the Selma was a gay and animated one. In the centre of the deck a German band was stationed, and every now and then some sprightly waltz or polka sounded on the summer air.
Close against one of the paddle boxes a group of eager gamblers had seated themselves round a card-table, and it was amongst these that Mr. William Bowen planted himself, while Silas Craig conversed in an undertone with Augustus Horton.
Gilbert Margrave and Mortimer Percy stood near the side of the vessel talking on indifferent subjects.
Presently the bell rang again, and the steamer stopped at the first station, which was situated at a short distance from Gerald Leslie's plantation.
"Miss Leslie knows nothing as yet of the fatal truth," said Gilbert. "I tremble lest she should ever learn it."
"Then tremble for her to-day on board this steamer," replied Mortimer, "these people know all, and they are pitiless."