"You seem very anxious to get rid of us and bury us at the back of beyond," I said, nettled and unable to conceal my chagrin at the matter-of-fact way in which he wished to dispose of us.
"I venture to hope I may be permitted to accompany you, and remain with you—"
It was now Henriette's turn to laugh outright at this rather blunt proposal, and I regret to add that I blushed a rosy red.
"To remain with you and near you so long as my services may be required," he went on, gravely, by no means the interpretation my sister had put upon his remark; for he fixed his eyes on me with unmistakable meaning, and held them so fixedly that I could not look away.
There could no longer be any doubt how "it stood with us;" my heart went out to him then and there, and I nodded involuntarily, more in answer to his own thoughts than his suggestion.
I knew from the gladness on his frank, handsome face that he understood and rejoiced.
"You see," he went on, quickly, dealing with the pressing matter in hand, "I know all about the place.
I have soldiered at Gibraltar and often went over to Africa.
It's not half bad, Tangier, decent hotels, villas furnished if you prefer it. Sport in the season, and plenty of galloping ground.
The point is, how we should travel?"
I could be of service in this; my inquiries at Cook's had qualified me to act as a shipping clerk, and we soon settled to take a steamer of the Bibby Line due that afternoon, which would land us at Gibraltar in two or three days.
Thence to Tangier was only like crossing a ferry.
The Colonel's man, l'Echelle, was sent to secure cabins, and we caught the ship in due course.
Three days later we were soon comfortably settled in the Hotel Atlas, just above the wide sweep of sands that encircle the bay.
It was the season of fierce heat, but we faced the northern breezes full of invigorating ozone.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Tangier, the wildest, quaintest, most savage spot on the face of the globe, was to me the most enchanting.
Our impressions take their colour from the passing mood; we like or loathe a place according to the temper in which we view it.
I was so utterly and foolishly happy in this most Eastern city located in the West that I have loved it deeply ever since.
After the trying and eventful episodes of the past week I had passed into a tranquil haven filled with perfect peace.
The whole tenor of my life had changed, the feverish excitement was gone, no deep anxiety vexed or troubled me, all my cares were transferred to stronger shoulders than mine.
I could calmly await the issue, content to enjoy the moment and forget the past like a bad dream.
It was sufficient to bask in the sunshine, revelling in the free air, rejoicing in the sweetness of my nascent love.
We were much together, Basil and I; we walked together, exploring the recesses of the native town, and the ancient citadel, with its memories of British dominion; we lingered in the Soko or native market, crowded with wild creatures from the far interior; we rode together, for his first care was to secure horses, and scoured the country as far as the Marshan and Cape Spartel.
I sometimes reproached myself with being so happy, while my darling Henriette still sorrowfully repined at her past, with little hope of better days. But even she brightened as the days ran on and brought no fresh disquiet, while her boy, sweet little Ralph, developed in health and strength.
A week passed thus, a week of unbroken quiet, flawless as the unchanging blue of a summer sky; not a cloud in sight, not a suspicion of coming disturbance and unrest.
It could not go on like this for ever.
To imagine it was to fall asleep in a fool's paradise, lulled into false serenity by the absence of portents so often shrouded and unseen until they break upon us.
One day a cablegram reached me from Philpotts.
She had arrived at Marseilles on her return voyage from Tripoli, and was anxious that I should know without delay that we had not shaken off Lord Blackadder.
They had recrossed the Mediterranean together in the same ship, the Oasis.
"So far all well," she said, "but am watched closely, will certainly follow me—send instructions—better not join you at present."
This message fell on us two poor women like a bolt from the blue.
Basil looked serious for a moment, but then laughed scornfully.
"His lordship can do us no harm.
There is not the slightest fear.
He may bluster and bully as much as he pleases, or rather, as far as he is permitted to go. We will place ourselves under the protection of the Moorish bashaw.
I always intended that."
"Not seriously?"
"Indeed, yes; I have already consulted our Minister.
Sir Arthur is an old friend of mine, and he has advised me, privately, of course, and unofficially, to be on our guard.
He can do nothing for us, but he will not act against us.
If Lord Blackadder should turn up here, and sooner or later he will, most assuredly he will not assist him.
He promises that.
At the same time he can give you no protection. We must take care of ourselves."
"You believe that Lord Blackadder will find his way to Tangier?"
"Most certainly.
He has Philpotts under his hand, but he would not trust only to her.
Diligent inquiry at Marseilles would be sure to reveal our departure for Gibraltar.
He will follow with his men, they are well-trained detectives, and it will be mere child's play for them to track us to Tangier.