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Page 64
"No, do stop!" whispered Philip. "I got your note. I'm
not offended; you're quite right. I really want you; I
could never have done it alone."
No words came from her, but she raised her hands to her
mouth, like one who is in sudden agony.
"Signorina, do stop a little--after all your kindness."
She burst into tears.
"What is it?" said Philip kindly.
She tried to speak, and then went away weeping bitterly.
The two men stared at each other. By a common impulse
they ran on to the loggia. They were just in time to see
Miss Abbott disappear among the trees.
"What is it?" asked Philip again. There was no answer,
and somehow he did not want an answer. Some strange thing
had happened which he could not presume to understand. He
would find out from Miss Abbott, if ever he found out at all.
"Well, your business," said Gino, after a puzzled sigh.
"Our business--Miss Abbott has told you of that."
"No."
"But surely--"
"She came for business. But she forgot about it; so did I."
Perfetta, who had a genius for missing people, now
returned, loudly complaining of the size of Monteriano and
the intricacies of its streets. Gino told her to watch the
baby. Then he offered Philip a cigar, and they proceeded to
the business.
Chapter 8
"Mad!" screamed Harriet,--"absolutely stark, staring, raving mad!"
Philip judged it better not to contradict her.
"What's she here for? Answer me that. What's she doing
in Monteriano in August? Why isn't she in Normandy? Answer
that. She won't. I can: she's come to thwart us; she's
betrayed us--got hold of mother's plans. Oh, goodness, my head!"
He was unwise enough to reply, "You mustn't accuse her
of that. Though she is exasperating, she hasn't come here
to betray us."
"Then why has she come here? Answer me that."
He made no answer. But fortunately his sister was too
much agitated to wait for one. "Bursting in on me--crying
and looking a disgusting sight--and says she has been to see
the Italian. Couldn't even talk properly; pretended she had
changed her opinions. What are her opinions to us? I was
very calm. I said: 'Miss Abbott, I think there is a little
misapprehension in this matter. My mother, Mrs. Herriton--'
Oh, goodness, my head! Of course you've failed--don't
trouble to answer--I know you've failed. Where's the baby,
pray? Of course you haven't got it. Dear sweet Caroline
won't let you. Oh, yes, and we're to go away at once and
trouble the father no more. Those are her commands.
Commands! COMMANDS!" And Harriet also burst into tears.
Philip governed his temper. His sister was annoying,
but quite reasonable in her indignation. Moreover, Miss
Abbott had behaved even worse than she supposed.
"I've not got the baby, Harriet, but at the same time I
haven't exactly failed. I and Signor Carella are to have
another interview this afternoon, at the Caffe Garibaldi.
He is perfectly reasonable and pleasant. Should you be
disposed to come with me, you would find him quite willing
to discuss things. He is desperately in want of money, and
has no prospect of getting any. I discovered that. At the
same time, he has a certain affection for the child." For
Philip's insight, or perhaps his opportunities, had not been
equal to Miss Abbott's.
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