It had not occurred to Mr.Ridgeway that his Lordship might be expected, with reasonable propriety, to unmask a jealous streak in addition to other disagreeable traits.

The British subalterns probably knew the temper of the old diplomat's mind, which, in a degree, explains their readiness to forgo the pleasure of a mild flirtation with her Ladyship.

Hugh, feeling like a despised pariah, naturally turned to her in his banishment.

She was his friend, his one beacon of light in the dark sea of unhappiness.
Others noticed it; but Hugh was blind to the scowl which never left the face of Lord Huntingford in these days.

The old nobleman knew full well that his wife loathed and detested him--just as the whole ship knew it; his pride rankled and writhed with the fear that she was finding more than friendship to enjoy in her daily intercourse with the good-looking Mr.Ridge.Gradually it became noticeable that he was watching her every act with spiteful eyes, and more than one observer winked softly at his neighbor, and shook his head with a meaning unmistakable.
The clash came one night in the Red Sea, just before the ship reached Aden.