“Mr. Tremorne is cousin to Lord Tremorne, of England,” said the old gentleman very slowly and solemnly.
I had been standing there rather stupidly, instead of taking my departure, as I should have done, for I may as well confess that I was astounded at the sumptuous beauty of the girl before me, who had hitherto cast not even a look in my direction. Now she raised her lovely, indescribable eyes to mine, and I felt a thrill extend to my finger-tips. Many handsome women have I seen in my day, but none to compare with this superb daughter of the West.
“Really!” she exclaimed with a most charming intonation of surprise. Then she extended a white and slim hand to me, and continued, “I am very glad to meet you, Mr. Tremorne. Do you live in Nagasaki?”
“I have done so for the past year.”
“Then you know the town well?”
“I know it very well indeed.”
At this juncture another young woman came on deck, and Miss Hemster turned quickly toward her.
“Oh, Hilda!” she cried, “I shall not need you to-day. Thanks ever so much.”
“Not need her?” exclaimed her father. “Why, you can’t go into Nagasaki alone, my dear.”
“I have no intention of doing so,” she replied amiably, “if Mr. Tremorne will be good enough to escort me.”