"What is your position?" demanded the Pacha furiously.
"Simply that I decline to associate with you, and the ladies and gentlemen on board of the Guardian-Mother occupy the same position. In other words, they refuse to associate with you, or to receive you."
"This is very extraordinary!" gasped the Moor.
"I do not so regard it."
"Does the young lady, Miss Blanche, refuse to see me?" asked the Pacha in a more moderate tone.
"Most decidedly; and her mother declines to permit her to see you."
"It is very strange," said Noury with a savage frown on his handsome face. "I thought the young lady was pleased with me."
"You were never more mistaken in your life."
"Will you inform me why you refuse to receive me, Captain Ringgold?"
"I do not wish to offend Your Highness; but I must speak the truth if I speak at all."