“What is it?” asked Philip again.  There was no answer, and somehow he did not want an answer.  Some strange thing had happened which he could not presume to understand.  He would find out from Miss Abbott, if ever he found out at all.

“Well, your business,” said Gino, after a puzzled sigh.

“Our business—­Miss Abbott has told you of that.”

“No.”

“But surely—­”

“She came for business.  But she forgot about it; so did I.”

Perfetta, who had a genius for missing people, now returned, loudly complaining of the size of Monteriano and the intricacies of its streets.  Gino told her to watch the baby.  Then he offered Philip a cigar, and they proceeded to the business.

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!