Yet, although his eyes were fixed upon the paper, in some way that he could not understand he was well aware that d'Aguilar and no other stood in the room behind him, the truth being, no doubt, that unconsciously he had recognised his footstep.

For a moment the knowledge turned him cold--he who had just been reading of the mission of this man--and feared what was to come.

Yet he acted well.
"Why do you disturb me, Daughter ?" he said testily, and without looking round.

"Have not things gone ill enough with half the cargo destroyed by sea-water, and the rest, that you must trouble me while I sum up my losses ?" And, casting the pen down, he turned his stool round impatiently.
Yes! there sure enough stood d'Aguilar, very handsomely arrayed, and smiling and bowing as was his custom..