"You know," continued the Count, following up his advantage, "all the somewhat peculiar circumstances of the case. Do you think there is any chance of Eve's reconsidering her decision?" The captain shook his head. "No," he answered bluntly, "I don't. Since she came back from London--" he paused. "Yes, since she came back from London?" suggested the Count. "She seems more determined than ever." The Count was looking at him keenly. "Then," he said, "you also have noticed a change." Captain Bontnor shuffled in his seat and likewise in his speech. "I suppose," he said, "that she has grown into a woman. Adversity's done it." "Yes," said the Count, "your observations seem to me to be correct. I had the pleasure of seeing her once or twice when she was staying at Mrs. Harrington's; but I did not refer to the question raised at my house in Barcelona, because I noticed the change to which you allude. Instead, I attempted to gain the co-operation and assistance of a mutual friend, Henry FitzHenry." Cipriani de Lloseta paused and looked at his companion, who in turn gazed stolidly at the fire. "And I received a rebuff," added the Count. He waited for some little time, but Captain Bontnor had no comment to offer, so De Lloseta went on: "Challoner was one of my best friends. I do not feel disposed to let the matter drop, more especially now that you have been compelled to leave Malabar Cottage. I propose entreating Miss Challoner to reconsider her decision. Will you help me?" "Yes," answered Captain Bontnor, "I will." "Then tell me if Eve has accepted assistance from Mrs. Harrington?" "Yes, she has." The Count swore softly in Spanish. "I am sorry for that," he said aloud. "I am superstitious. I have a theory that Mrs. Harrington's money is apt to be a curse to those upon whom it is bestowed." "Mrs. Harrington's no friend of mine," said Captain Bontnor; and De Lloseta, who was looking out of the window, smiled somewhat grimly. "Perhaps," he said after a little pause, "perhaps you will allow me to claim the privilege which you deny to her?" "Yes," answered Captain Bontnor awkwardly; "yes, if you care to." "Thanks. I see Miss Challoner--Eve--coming. I count on your assistance." Eve paused on the threshold in astonishment at the sight of the Count de Lloseta and her uncle in grave discourse over a glass of sherry. "You!" she said. "You here!" And he wondered why she suddenly lost colour. "I," he answered, "I--here to pay my respects." Eve gave a little gasp of relief. For a moment she was off her guard--with a dangerous man watching her. "I thought you had bad news," she said. And Cipriani de Lloseta knew that this was a woman whose heart was at sea. "No," he answered; "I merely came to quarrel." He drew forward a chair, and Eve sat down.