TWENTY-NINTH CHAPTER
AT TREASURE ISLAND INN
The morning rode in grandly upon the sea. Bedient was early below, and overtook Miss Mallory in the gardens. She seemed particularly virile. A pair of Señora Rey's toy-spaniels were frisking about.
"These are not my favorite kind, but I like dogs," she said…. "How men reveal their earth-binding! A laugh is enough—or a fear, a word, a convention—and you have a complete discovery of limitations."
Bedient fell into her mood. "And what manner of man would he be who could keep hidden from such very old and very wise eyes his covering of clay?"
"First, he would be without vanity," she said readily. "Then, he would do noble things thoughtlessly and unwatched. He wouldn't be dollar-poisoned, nor could he fail to help all who are poor and whipped, whether wicked or not. And he would have enough intelligence to enfold mine, so I wouldn't be constantly banging against his walls…. In a word, he would be great without knowing it. Do you think I ask a great deal?"
"Yes, but I should like him," Bedient answered.
"And now what is it?" she asked quickly. They had turned upon the main-drive, away from the trees. "I can see you have something to say."
"I shall take up lodgings for the next few days in the city below—at Treasure Island Inn. Señor Rey has ordered me out of The Pleiad."
Her face colored instantly, and yet she said, "I'm very glad to hear it. At least, you will be safe in Treasure Island Inn."