In the cabin a man sat at a table with a lamp hanging over his head.

He rose and turned towards them, bowing, and Margaret saw that it was--_d'Aguilar_! Betty stood silent; she had expected to meet him, though not here and thus.

Her foolish heart bounded so at the sight of him that she seemed to choke, and could only wonder dimly what mistake had been made, and how he would explain to Margaret and get her away, leaving herself and him together to be married.

Indeed, she searched the cabin with her eyes to see where the priest was waiting, then noting a door beyond, thought that doubtless he must be hidden there.

As for Margaret, she uttered a little stifled cry, then, being a brave woman, one of that high nature which grows strong in the face of trouble, straightened herself to her full height and said in a low, fierce voice: "What do you here?
Where is my father ?" "Senora," he answered humbly, "I am on board my ship, the _San Antonio_, and as for your father, he is either on his ship, the _Margaret_, or more likely, by now, at his house in Holborn." At these words Margaret reeled back till the wall of the cabin stayed her, and there she rested.
"Spare me your reproaches," went on d'Aguilar hurriedly.