“Betty! Has anything come over her?”

Bellairs tapped his fingers impatiently on the table.

“Don't tell me you haven't noticed the change,” he said. “Forgive me for saying that I couldn't believe it if you did.”

“In that case I won't trouble myself to say it.”

“Ah—you have! Then what's the matter? Tell me.”

“Hush, don't speak so loud or the sailors will hear you, and Abdul understands English. I did not say I knew the reason of this change.”

“You must. You are Betty's other self, or rather she is—was—yours.”

“Was! Do you mean that she is not now?”

“Remember, she loves me.”