"Yes, of course we'll come," she said quickly. "But I haven't played cards for so long that I'm sure whoever is unlucky enough to draw me for a partner will be thankful Miss Caroline has limited the stakes to a penny a hundred." The ease with which she spoke sufficed to reassure Robin completely. "You'll play, Coventry?" he said, as they all three turned and walked towards the companion-way. "I'll cut in--and take my chance," answered Eliot. Cara glanced at him swiftly. His mouth wore a grave little smile, as though the words bore for him a second and deeper meaning than the obvious one of their reply to Robin's question. CHAPTER XX REFUSAL The process of making a tour of the _Sphinx_ had been a lengthy one. The yacht was beautifully appointed, and there had been much to examine and admire. Brett, who loved every inch of her, from the marvellous little gold figure of a sphinx, which he had had specially designed and carved as a mascot, down to the polished knobs and buttons in the engine-room, had expatiated with considerable length and fervour upon her various beauties and advantages, and by the time he and Ann emerged on to the deck once more it was to find it deserted by the rest of the party. Brett moved a couple of deck-chairs into a sheltered corner. "You must be tired," he said remorsefully. "I've kept you standing about an unconscionable time while I yarned on about my old tub. If you'll sit down here, I'll go and fetch you a wrap." Ann subsided into one of the chairs not unthankfully. "But I don't want a wrap," she protested. "You will, presently. You must remember it's September, even though it is a warm evening." He departed on his errand, returning shortly with a wrap for her shoulders, together with a light rug which he proceeded to tuck carefully round her. She was reminded of the first occasion on which they had met, when the charming way in which he had waited upon Lady Susan had moved her to the reflection that he might be rather an adept in the art of spoiling any woman. But she had not forgotten that he would want to master her first--as he had mastered the bay mare, afterwards coaxing her into friendship. They conversed desultorily for a time. Then, tossing away the cigarette he was smoking, Brett shot an abrupt question at her. "Well, so you like the yacht?" he demanded. She nodded. "I think it's just perfect," she answered cordially. "I'm glad. Because"--he leaned forward and looked at her intently with a curious sparkling light in his eyes--"I hope you'll spend a good deal of time on board her." "I?" Ann endeavoured to speak as casually as possible, warned by that sudden danger-signal. "Yes. Wouldn't you enjoy cruising about the world a bit?" "Are you thinking of inviting us all to go for a trip in the _Sphinx_? I'm afraid," shaking her head, "we're most of us much too busy people to go racing off half across the world at a moment's notice."