His doubts concerning the
cigar had grown into a certainty. He cast it into the sea.
"I really mean what I say," she continued in a low voice that vibrated
with emotion, for her obvious distress was enhanced by his evident
belief that she was jesting. "I have given my word--written
it--entered into a most solemn obligation. Somehow, the prospect of
reaching a civilized place to-morrow induces a more ordered state of
mind than has been possible since--since the _Andromeda_ was lost."
"Who is he?" demanded Hozier darkly. "Coke is married. So is Watts.
Dom Corria has other fish to fry than to dream of committing bigamy.
Of course, I am well aware that you have been flirting outrageously
with San Benavides----"
"Please don't make my duty harder for me," pleaded Iris. "Before I met
you, before we spoke to each other that first day at Liverpool, I had
promised to marry Mr. Bulmer, an old friend of my uncle's----"
"Oh,--he? . . . I am sorry for Mr. Bulmer, but it can't be done,"
interrupted Hozier.
"Philip, you do not understand. I--I cared for nobody then . . . and
my uncle said he was in danger of bankruptcy . . . and Mr. Bulmer
undertook to help him if I would consent. . . ."
"Yes," agreed Philip, with an air of pleasant detachment, "I see.
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