Lettice regarded him gravely. “I am not so sure about that,” she rejoined. “I don’t really know all about it, but I don’t think the British have any right to steal our sailors.”
“And what do you think of the letters-of-marque and reprisal? And will you favor me with your opinion on carrying trade and the constructive blockade?”
Lettice looked bewildered, and Mr. Clinton laughed. “I did but tease you, fair demoiselle. ’Tis not for ladies to bother their heads about such things; what concerns them more is a question of a becoming gown or a new dancing step. What, by the way, is this that I hear of a dance in a barn? May I hope to have the honor?”
“Yes, if you like.”
“The first?”
“That is promised,” returned Lettice, reluctantly.
“The second, then?”
“That, too.”
“The third, then?”
“I told my Cousin Joe that I would give him that, but—”