"But this is not my house," said Captain Bontnor, feeling unaccountably at ease with this nobleman. "Malabar Cottage is farther up the hill. I've got all my bits of things up there." "Indeed. It would have given me pleasure to see them. I learnt from a mutual--friend, Mrs. Harrington, of your change of address." Captain Bontnor looked at him keenly; and who shall say that the rough old man did not appreciate the refined tact of his visitor? "I've had losses," he said. The Count nodded shortly. He was drawing off his gloves. "I do not know," he said conversationally, "if it has been your experience, but for myself I have found that reverses of fortune are not without some small consolation. They prove the friendship of one's friends." The captain reflected. "Yes," he said, "you're right, Mr.--I mean Count--and--and brings the good out of women." "Women!" the Count repeated gravely. "You refer to Miss Challoner--I see signs of her presence in this room. Is she out?" "Yes--I am afraid she is." He glanced nervously at the clock. "She is not likely to be in for an hour and more yet." "I am sorry," said the Count; "but also I am rather glad. I shall thus have an opportunity of asking your opinion upon one or two matters--between men of the world, you know." "I am afraid my opinion is not of much value, sir, except it's about schooners--I always sailed in schooners." The Count nodded gravely. "In my country," he said, "we usually go in for brigs; they find them easier to handle. But you know Mallorca--you have seen for yourself." The captain was not listening; he was looking at the modest lodging-house sideboard. "I was wondering," he explained, with a transparent simplicity which was perhaps as good as that which is called good breeding, "whether you would take a glass of sherry wine." "I should like nothing better," said the Count. "It will give me pleasure to take a glass of wine with you." Quietly, imperceptibly, De Lloseta set Captain Bontnor at his ease, and at the same time he mastered him. They spoke of indifferent topics--topics which, however, were well within the captain's knowledge of the world. Then suddenly the Count laid aside the social mask which he wore with such consummate ease. "I came down to Somarsh," he said, "because I am deeply distressed at your reverse of fortune. I came to see you, captain, because when I had the pleasure of meeting you at Barcelona I saw you to be a just man, and one to whom one could speak openly. I am a rich man--you understand. Need I say more?" Captain Bontnor blinked uncertainly. "No," he answered, "I'm thinkin' it isn't necessary." "Not between men of the world," urged Cipriani de Lloseta. "It is not for your sake. I would not insult you in such a way. It is for Eve. For a woman's sake a man may easily sacrifice his pride." The captain nodded and glanced at the clock. He had not fully realised until that moment how dependent he was upon his niece.