“The same, mademoiselle,” he replied, with a courteous bow.
They moved a few paces to one side, and began to talk in low tones. I hung back in confusion and anger, feeling bitterly the slight that had been put upon me, and quite at a loss to know what the affair meant. I overheard the words “Lord Selkirk” and “dispatches,” and then I saw the girl draw the end of a sealed packet of papers from her bosom; but she thrust them out of sight again at a sharp command from Captain Rudstone. The latter looked round just then, and I could have sworn that he sneered contemptuously when he met my glance. My temper was ruffled by the neglect and the sneer, and I stepped forward.
“Will Miss Hatherton permit me to escort her to the lodgings where she is expected?” I asked the girl.
“My claim to this young lady’s attention is prior to yours, sir,” broke in Captain Rudstone.
“I deny that, sir!” I cried hotly. “Will you be so kind as to state your claim?”
“My word is enough. Be careful lest you provoke me further, Mr. Carew.”
“I beseech you not to quarrel on my account, sirs,” exclaimed Miss Hatherton. “You are both right.” The captain scowled at me.
“Which of us is to have precedence, mademoiselle?” he asked curtly.
But before the girl could answer an abrupt and unexpected interruption fell upon us.