III.
The next evening at seven o'clock Carlton Ellery made his appearance
at Clow's according to the previous appointment. He found the mulatto in
his room, with his eye bandaged, and in a sullen mood.
`What has happened, Philip?'
`Nothing.'
`You are savage.'
`Don't make comments on my temper. You have come to see La Isla?'
`Yes.'
`You can't see her,' he answered very positively.
`Why?'
`She says if you will make her your wife on this very visit, you shall see
her, and no other conditions.'
`I will do it. I have made up my mind. I have thought it over. She
has infatuated me. I will marry her; but on a condition.'
`Name it.'
`That it is kept secret till my uncle's death. He has to-day had another
of those paralytic attacks, and wont last long. I should not be surprised if
he gave us the slip before another week.'
