Page:Claire Ambler (1928).djvu/147

 "No, no," he said hurriedly. "That wasn't implied—not exactly."

Not exactly'!" she exclaimed, her eyes flashing. "That means it was!"

"No. I don't imply it was in your intention; but it might result in the same effect as if it were."

"How?"

"The Bastoni might interpret themselves as in a manner competitors with Don Arturo for your favour. They might believe themselves his rivals."

"Oh!" she cried. "What utter nonsense!"

"So far as your intention is concerned, it is," Orbison said. "I don't doubt it. But Mr. Rennie has an idea that the two brothers do regard themselves somewhat in that light. And since they are young Liana's bitter enemies politically, and the passions of people here are very different from the kind you've known elsewhere, Miss Ambler"

"Good heavens!" she cried. "What on earth have I to do with all that? Do you think the Bastoni want to marry me? Both of them? They've been just ordinarily polite, in their way, like anybody else. I know they're against Don Arturo politically; even our valet de chambre talks about that, and says they're