“Never heard of her,” said the captain. “Neither had I, till then,” said his sister. “What a lot of people there are one never hears of, John.” The captain stared at her offensively and went on with his meal. A long silence ensued.
“I suppose you didn't get to hear of the cable that was sent?” said Mrs. Kingdom, making another effort to arouse interest.
“What cable?” inquired her brother.
“The one Mr. Hardy sent to his father about you,” replied Mrs. Kingdom.
The captain pushed his chair back and stared her full in the face. “What do you mean?” he demanded.
His sister explained.
“Do you mean to tell me that you've been speaking to young Hardy?” exclaimed the captain.
“I could hardly help doing so, when he came here,” returned his sister, with dignity. “He has been very anxious about you.”
Captain Nugent rose and strode up and down the room. Then he stopped and glanced sharply at his daughter.
“Were you here when he called?” he demanded.