"Come along into the cabin and read it in peace. Oh, by the way—my servant's there—Mario. You must say something nice to him. He's off his head with excitement. He's been with me the last three years—an awfully decent chap, you know. He understands English all right—speaks it a little. Here we are..."
He led her into the deck cabin where Mario was unstrapping some rugs. He stood up, tall and eager, as the young couple crossed the threshold.
"This is my wife, Mario."
No mistaking the proud note in his master's voice! The dark eyes glowed, the white teeth flashed into a smile as Jill greeted him rather shyly.
Mario had prepared his speech.
"My felicitations to her. And to him. Blessed be the day! Long life and happiness—And many children," he concluded.
The colour flamed in her cheeks.
"Grazie tante," she responded...
Up went Mario's hands, surprised, full of joy and admiration. But McTaggart broke in on the flow of Italian that followed the gesture.
"Basta! Basta!"—he drove him out. "You can come back when we get near land."