"They did not come. Blake sent them. He sunk their ship and made them his prisoners."
"Why did they interfere with Blake? It serves them right."
"The Dutch are at war with the Commonwealth. Does not that please you?"
"No. What right have the Dutch to meddle in our affairs? The quarrel is between our King and the Parliament. It is our own quarrel, Englishmen against Englishmen. That is all right. It is a family affair; we want no foreigners taking a hand in it. The only time I ever saw my father angry at the King was when he landed foreigners to fight Englishmen. We can settle our own quarrels. If Dutchmen will come into our boat they will, of course, get the oars over their fingers. Serve them right. Let them go to the Fens. They are only amphibious creatures."
"But you do not understand; they——"
"And I do not want to understand; I have settled that affair to my satisfaction. Now I must tell you something concerning myself. I am going to France."
"France!" cried Jane in amazement.
"Yes, France. I have persuaded my uncle that he ought to go there, and look after the Sea Rover. I have persuaded my aunt that it is not safe for my uncle to go without her; and they both know my reason for going with them, although we do not name Prince Rupert."
"When do you go, Matilda?"
"To-morrow, if Stephen be ready. And let me tell you, Jane, Stephen's readiness depends on you."