“It is doubtful,” I replied. “He will hardly look for our arrival so soon. We took an earlier ship, you will remember, and our passage has been a swift one.”
“It was a dangerous passage,” he said meaningly—“at least, for you. I take it you will be glad of a few days of grace. But may I ask—I happen to have a curiosity—how this thing is to end?”
“What thing?” I cried, ruffling at once.
“You love Miss Hatherton,” he answered with a smile.
I felt my face grow hot.
“Does that concern you?” I demanded curtly. “I will thank you to mind your own affairs, Captain Rudstone.”
“The girl loves you,” he replied calmly.
“I don’t believe it,” said I.
“Bah! you are a blind fool,” he muttered. “I gave you credit for more perception. But it is just as I said—the girl returns your affection. What are you going to do about it? Will you allow her to marry Griffith Hawke?”
I could have struck the captain for his jesting tone, and yet at the same time I detected a ring of truth in what he had said. It flashed upon me that I had indeed been blind, and the revelation thrilled my heart.