Nor was she aware that Hamilton felt so
keenly the disappearance of the flag. What she did know, and it
gladdened her greatly, was that Beverley had been well treated by
his captor. With this in her heart she went about Roussillon place
singing merry snatches of Creole songs; and when at the gate,
which still hung lop-sided on account of Beverley's force in
shutting it, she came unexpectedly face to face with Captain
Farnsworth, there was no great surprise on her part.
He lifted his hat and bowed very politely; but a bold smile broke
over his somewhat ruddy face. He spoke in French, but in a
drawling tone and with a bad accent:
"How do you do, Mademoiselle; I am right glad to see you again."
Alice drew back a pace or two. She was quick to understand his
allusion, and she shrank from him, fearing that he was going to
inquire about the flag.
"Don't be afraid," he laughed. "I am not so dangerous. I never did
hurt a girl in all my life. In fact, I am fond of them when
they're nice."
"I am not in the least afraid," she replied, assuming an air of
absolute dismissal, "and you don't look a bit ferocious, Monsieur.
You may pass on, if you please."
He flushed and bit his lip, probably to keep back some hasty
retort, and thought rapidly for a moment. She looked straight at
him with eyes that stirred and dazzled him.
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