She started as she heard her name pronounced in a singularly pleasing voice, and, turning around, saw that Mr. Delessert was standing beside her.
“I fear I have offended you in some way,” he said, in a contrite tone.
“Oh, no, you did not offend me,” she said, shyly. “That is, not much.”
“I am glad you are not deeply incensed,” he went on, with a relieved air. “It emboldens me to ask a great favour of you.”
Although Nina gave him no encouragement beyond an attentive silence, he went on, “Is it your intention to spend the evening with Miss Marsden?”
Nina was surprised at his knowledge of the name and habitation of a person who had not yet made a public appearance; but she said, graciously, “Yes, if she wants me.”
“If she does not, will you come to the library and play whist? Mrs. Grayley is much better. She wished me to ask you.”
There were signs of a baffled purpose on his face rather than of disappointment. After some reflection, he said, “Perhaps you would like to go and walk on deck.”
“Captain Fordyce asked me not to go up again to-night. The decks are so shaky.”
He extended a shapely white hand. “Good night, then. I must not detain you. Perhaps to-morrow you will allow me the pleasure of teaching you how to play cards?”
“I don’t think I want to know,” she said, seriously; “they do lots of harm; but I’ll teach you a very funny thing if you can find some dominoes.”
He gravely assured her that he would be charmed, and was just about leaving her when he hesitated and turned back. “I beg your pardon, but I heard Captain Fordyce call you by a very odd and pretty name.”
“Oh! Nina Stephana,--he sometimes says it. Stephana is my middle name.”
“Indeed, it is a pleasing one. Strange that it should be the feminine of your husband’s name.”
“Yes,” said Nina, guardedly, “Esteban is certainly the Spanish for Stephen.”
“It seems as if your parents must have known of your approaching fate,” he remarked, mildly, and without emphasis.
“I dare say he was attracted by the similarity of names.”
Nina was fidgeting with the ends of ribbon hanging from her belt. “See here,” she said, suddenly dropping them, and speaking with the utmost simplicity, “you remember what you were telling me this morning?”
“Our conversation lingers most pleasantly with me.”