You
are in a first-rate fix. I was always prepared for that. Coke told me
about Bulmer--warned me off, so to speak. I forgot his claims at odd
times, just for a minute or so, but he is a real bugbear--a sort of
matrimonial bogey-man. If all goes well, and we enter Pernambuco
without being fired at, you will be handed over to the British Consul,
and he will send a rousing telegram about you to England. Bulmer, of
course, will cause a rare stir at home. Who wouldn't? No wonder you
are scared! It seems to me that there is only one safe line of action
left open."
Iris did not respond to his raillery. She was despondent, nervous,
uncertain of her own strength, afraid of the hurricane of publicity
that would shortly swoop down on her.
"I wish you would realize how I feel in this matter," she said, with a
persistence that was at least creditable to her honesty of purpose. "A
woman's word should be held as sacred as a man's, Philip."
He turned and met her eyes. There was a tender smile on his lips.
"So you really believe you will be compelled to marry Mr. Bulmer?" he
cried.
"Oh, don't be horrid!" she almost sobbed. "I cuc--cuc--can't help it."
"I have given some thought to the problem myself," he said, for, in
truth, he was beginning to be alarmed by her tenacity, though
determined not to let her perceive his changed mood.
Pages:
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257