“Well, W-Will—dear W-Will.”
“You know I would risk my life, Rusidda.”
“Oh, I don’t think it is so bad as that. Ruggiero sends my cartels.”
“Tell me what it is, dear—quickly. You know I will do anything consistent with my duty as a British officer.”
“It is of your duty as one of the Admiral’s fine officers that I am speaking: it is for Her Majesty; and I have heard your Admiral confess unqualified allegiance to her.”
“What is it, tease?”
“I’m not teasing, W-Will. It is really rather a serious question.”
“What is it?”
“Well, you know I can’t tell you.”
“Well, what am I to do, Rusidda?”