"
"By the craft and qualities of the Water-Witch! but this is language that
might become one who was at liberty to act his pleasure," returned the
stranger tauntingly imitating the tone, in which his angry companion had
spoken. "You would have proof of my identity: listen. There is one who
vaunts his power, that forgets he is a dupe of my agent, and that even
while his words are so full of boldness, he is a captive!"
The brown cheek of Ludlow reddened, and he turned toward the lighter and
far less vigorous frame of his companion, as if about to strike him to the
earth, when a door opened, and Alida appeared in the saloon.
The meeting, between the commander of the Coquette and his mistress, was
not without embarrassment. The anger of the former and the confusion of
the latter, for a moment, kept both silent; but as la belle Barberie had
not returned without an object, she was quick to speak.
"I know not whether to approve, or to condemn, the boldness that has
prompted Captain Ludlow to enter my pavilion, at this unseasonable hour,
and in so unceremonious a manner," she said, "for I am still ignorant of
his motive. When he shall please to let me hear it, I may judge better of
the merit of the excuse."
"True, we will hear his explanation before condemnation," added the
stranger, offering a seat to Alida, which she coldly declined. "Beyond a
doubt the gentleman has a motive."
If looks could have destroyed, the speaker would have been annihilated.
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