"But such a mere child!" said Patty.
"Well, she has eyes and ears. I will take her myself. Mistress Annis Mason, may I have the pleasure of escorting you to the grand naval ball? It will give me a great deal of pleasure, I assure you. I am a bachelor, fancy free, so no one's heart will be broken."
He rose as he said this, and crossed the room to where Annis was sitting, leaning her arm on Jaqueline's knee.
The child colored and glanced up in a puzzled manner.
"Well—why do you not answer?" said Patty in amusement. "Madame Badeau ought to train you in polite deportment."
"Can I say just what I should like?" a little timidly, glancing from one sister to the other.
"Yes," answered Patty laughingly. "Yes," said Jaqueline a little more gravely.
Annis rose and made a formal little courtesy, holding the side of her skirt with charming grace.
"It will afford me the greatest pleasure to accept your invitation, Lieutenant Ralston," she said in a stately and dignified manner.
"Thank you! That is very handsomely done. After this show of proper and ceremonious behavior you cannot refuse her permission?" turning to the elders.