Olivia knew he owed her sister less than he thought. Sometimes Kit was very dull, but he had given her an opportunity to experiment.
"Jacinta likes helping people and as a rule it doesn't cost her much. For example, when you told her about Miss Jordan, Harry and Jefferson wanted an English clerk. I think Miss Jordan's satisfied, but I doubt if she's as grateful as you."
"She's altogether satisfied----" Kit declared and stopped. Betty's gratitude to Mrs. Austin was not very marked.
"Oh, well!" Olivia resumed, "Jefferson's a good sort and I think he's lucky. Miss Jordan is a good clerk and an attractive girl. People like her, and Jefferson's _patio_ is getting a fashionable spot in the afternoon. You can study the latest styles in men's light clothes."
"Do you mean the coaling and banana men pretend they have some business and hang about?"
"I don't know if they pretend, but they do hang about. Jefferson declares if he wanted coal he could get an extra bag to the ton, and Ritchie told him an ingenious plan by which he could cut down _Cayman_'s fresh water bill."
"Ritchie's the theatrical fellow with the _sombrero_ and brigand's sash?"
"He is theatrical," Olivia agreed and smiled. "Since he has neglected me, his theatricalness is plainer. No doubt Miss Jordan finds him amusing, but when _Cayman_ is in port he goes to the office. Looking for orders, I believe."
"All the coal _Cayman_ burns goes on the galley fire," Kit remarked with a frown. "A ton a voyage would see her out."
Olivia noted his frown. She admitted that her methods were crude, but cleverness, so to speak, would be wasted on Kit. In some respects, he was like a child.
"After all, I don't see why Miss Jordan should not marry a coaling clerk," she said. "One or two are rather nice."
Kit set his mouth. He had not thought about Betty's marrying and owned that it ought not disturb him, but it did so. His look was sternly thoughtful, and Olivia touched his arm. She had made her experiment and although she did not know if she wanted Kit for herself or not, she resolved he was not for Betty.
"You have no grounds for meddling, and Miss Jordan is not a fool; I think she's fastidious," she said. "When you come back we must try to get you a post at Las Palmas. If you get a proper start, you might go far, and perhaps the post can be got."