Chapter 8

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.

Harriet would only sob, and accuse her brother of
insulting her; how could a lady speak to such a horrible
man? That, and nothing else, was enough to stamp Caroline.
Oh, poor Lilia!

Philip drummed on the bedroom window-sill. He saw no
escape from the deadlock. For though he spoke cheerfully
about his second interview with Gino, he felt at the bottom
of his heart that it would fail. Gino was too courteous: he
would not break off negotiations by sharp denial; he loved
this civil, half-humorous bargaining. And he loved fooling
his opponent, and did it so nicely that his opponent did not
mind being fooled.

"Miss Abbott has behaved extraordinarily," he said at