“Has your fiancée a dot of a quarter of a million dollars?” Larrieau shot at him.
“It is quite useless to discuss the matter, Captain.”
The latter hung his head, disappointed. “You realize why I asked you, of course,” he said presently.
“I do, Captain. You must see her provided for. You were at some pains to prove to me that her blood was the equal of mine——”
“I spoke of her mother’s people. But I am not a common man. There is blood and breeding back of me—yes, far back, but I can trace it.”
“You pay me a tremendous compliment, Captain.”
“You are young, you have education, intelligence. You are a doctor, a man of broad human sympathy and understanding. It is too bad your spirit is not free. Too bad!”
“I will return for you this afternoon, about six o’clock, Captain. You will not attempt to leave the Moorea, will you?”
“I told you I was a thrifty man, but I did not tell you, also, that I am generous.”
“I am rebuked, Captain Larrieau. Forgive me.”