"Sure, and I'm beginning to feel something like the fox must feel when
the hounds are in full cry after him," soliloquised Myra, as she drove
home one night after another vain attempt to rebuff Don Carlos. "No
wonder he is able to boast of so many conquests if he has pursued every
other woman who took his fancy as relentlessly as he is pursuing me!
What can I do?"
What made Myra's position the more embarrassing was that de Ruiz and
Standish had become very friendly, Don Carlos having exercised his
personal magnetism to the utmost to win Tony's regard. One hobby they
actually had in common was collecting old jade, and on discovering this
Don Carlos sent to Spain for two of the choicest and rarest of his
pieces--ancient Chinese sword ornaments of jade set with gold. These
he presented to Tony, who was delighted, but protested that he could
not accept so valuable a gift without making some return.
"Later, I promise you, my dear Standish, I shall take one of your
treasures," said Don Carlos in his charming way. "Meanwhile accept
these trifles as a token of my esteem. It is a joy to give to a fellow
collector something which money cannot buy, and it will be a delight to
take from you something you prize. By the way, let me remind you again
of your promise to come to my place in Spain this winter to see my
collection. I shall be pleased and honoured to entertain you and any
of your friends at El Castillo de Ruiz."
"Thanks. Frightfully good of you, Don Carlos," said Tony. "If I make
my usual cruise in my yacht this year I shall certainly make a point of
visiting you. I say, if you are not already booked, what about doing
me the honour of being one of my guests at Auchinleven in August for
the shooting, and then being one of the yachting party later on if I
arrange a cruise. I shall be charmed if you will."
"My dear Mr. Standish, you are too good," exclaimed Don Carlos, with
unaffected delight. "Ten thousand thanks! Nothing will give me
greater pleasure. I gladly and gratefully accept your invitation, but
you must promise to allow me to attempt to return your hospitality in
Spain. I cannot promise you much in the way of sport, except, perhaps,
a little brigand shooting, but I can promise you some novel
experiences."
"Thanks awfully," said Tony. "I must tell Myra, and show her your
beautiful present."