But in case you are not, and need help, I wanted you to know
I've come on board and will take you home whenever you wish,--E."_
Cara glanced across at Brett, who was watching her curiously. She slipped
the note, intended for Ann, into the bosom of her gown and turned to
Achille.
"Tell Mr. Coventry Miss Lovell is not on board the _Sphinx_," she said
quietly.
"Coventry!" broke violently from Brett. "Where is he, Achille?"
"He come in a boat from the shore, monsieur. Just now. He wait only an
answer to zis lettaire." The man bowed and retired, leaving Brett and Cara
staring at each other.
"You would not have come between Eliot and Ann, after all," she said
proudly. "Your trick would have misfired. He trusts her--absolutely."
She had hardly finished speaking when the sound of a scuffle came from the
companion-way, accompanied by a stream of voluble French. Then: "Get out
of my way!" came in good, robust English, and an instant later Eliot's big
frame appeared in the doorway.
"I want an explanation, Forrester--" he began sternly. Then fell silent,
while his senses quietly absorbed the whole scene before him--the man and
woman in evening dress, the flower-decked table with its half-emptied
coffee-cups and evidences of a recent gay little supper, the mingled scent
of cigarette smoke and carnations.
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