" Kirk chuckled at the
thought.
"No, sar, if you please. Those Bajan 'oomen is all very
disagreeable."
"You understand, I can't quit work to go looking for the girl,
because I've simply got to tend to business. But I'll spend Sunday
out there if you haven't already discovered her. Now, I'll chant
this all over again on the way out, so you won't forget anything."
XVII
GARAVEL THE BANKER
These were busy days for the Cortlandts. They entertained
constantly, and the occasions when they dined without from one to
a dozen guests became so exceptional as to elicit remark around
the hotel. Most of their efforts were devoted to certain
Panamanians of the influential class, and in company with one or
more of these Cortlandt made frequent trips to the various
quarters of the Republic, sometimes absenting himself for days at
a time.
During these intervals his wife assumed the direction of affairs,
and continued to entertain or be entertained. Her energy and
resource seemed inexhaustible. The officials of both governments
treated her with punctilious respect, and the prestige gained in
this way she used to enhance her reputation as a hostess. Soon she
became the social dictator of the city, and the most exclusive
circles, American and Panamanian alike, allowed her to assume
control.
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