"That, of course, depends on the brigand," answered Don Carlos, with a
smile. "Of course, if Myra is really scared, and is genuinely afraid
to come to Spain lest she should lose her heart----"
"I am afraid of nothing!" interrupted Myra, exasperated beyond measure;
and immediately she regretted the impulsive words.
"So you will prove the fact by keeping your promise to come to Spain as
my guest?" queried Don Carlos quickly.
"That will depend on whether you know your duty to a guest and your
obligations as a host," retorted Myra curtly, and Tony raised his
eyebrows, surprised by her unusual rudeness.
"I flatter myself, dear lady, that I have a reputation as a host whose
hospitality is boundless," said Don Carlos gravely.
A footman entering with the tea-tray relieved the tension, and Tony
began to question Don Carlos about his trip, and to tell him what sport
he had been enjoying.