He entered the hut without notice or greeting for Wanaha, who, in true Indian fashion, waited by the cook-stove for her lord to speak first.
He passed over to the bedstead which occupied the far end of the room, and sat himself down to a perusal of his papers. He was undoubtedly preoccupied and not intentionally unkind to the woman.
Wanaha went steadily on with her work. For her this was quite as it should be. He would speak presently. She was satisfied.
Presently the man flung his papers aside, and the woman’s deep eyes met his as he looked across at her.
“Well, Wana,” he said, “I’ve sold the wood and got orders for six more cords. Business is booming.”
The man spoke in English. Yet he spoke Wanaha’s 60 tongue as fluently as she did herself. Here again the curious submissive nature of the woman was exampled. He must speak his own tongue. It was not right that he should be forced to use hers.
“I am much happy,” she said simply. Then her woman’s thought rose superior to greater issues. “You will eat?” she went on.
“Yes, Wana. I’m hungry—very.”
“So.” The woman’s eyes smiled into his, and she eagerly set the food on a table made of packing cases.
Steyne began at once. He was thoughtful while he ate. But after a while he looked up, and there was a peculiar gleam in his blue eyes as they rested on the warm, rich features of his willing slave.