She hesitated to answer, her mind buzzing with surprise, resentment, and anger. She hated to be caught at a disadvantage, as in this case. She was uncertain as to what her attitude ought to be.
Had Clifford, suspecting her feelings towards Larssen, returned hurriedly in order to trap her? What did he know? What did he guess?
Evidently she ought to be on her guard.
"Of course I will hear my husband first," she answered coldly, and Larssen took it as an ill omen. He offered her a chair again, and seated himself so as to command them both.
Matheson, who remained standing, waved his hand towards the shipowner. "Let him speak first."
"I'm not anxious to," countered Larssen. "Fire away with your own version."
"I hate all this mystery!" snapped Olive irritably. "Mr Larssen, you tell me what it all means."
"Very well. This is Mr John Rivière."
"Rivière?"
"Yes; that's your husband's nom de discrétion."