I faithfully translated this little speech, and I slipped the King's ring on Mary-Ann's finger, myself.
"And I," I asked of Hadgi-Stavros, "shall I carry away nothing by which to remember you?"
"You, dear sir? But you remain! Your ransom is not paid!"
I turned toward Mrs. Simons, who held out to me the following letter:
"Dear Sister:
Verification made, I have given the 4000. liv. sterl. for the receipt. I have not advanced the other 600, because the receipt was not in your name, and it would be impossible to recover it. I am, while waiting your dear presence,
Always yours,
"Edward Sharper."
I had overdone my instructions to Hadgi-Stavros; to be quite business-like, he believed that he ought to send two receipts!
Mrs. Simons said to me in a low tone: "You seem to be in great trouble! What good will it do to make such faces? Show that you are a man, and leave that grievance for a whipped cur. The best part is done, since we are saved, my daughter and I, without its costing us anything. As for you, I am not uneasy about you; you know how to save yourself. Your first plan, which was not feasible for two ladies, will be an admirable one for you alone. Come, what day may we expect a visit from you?"
I thanked her cordially. She offered such a fine opportunity for me to show off my personal qualities and to raise myself in Mary-Ann's esteem. "Yes, Madame, count on me! I will leave here a man of spirit, and much better if I run a little danger. I am glad that my ransom has not been paid, and I thank Monsieur, your brother, for what he has done for me. You will see if a German does not know how to extricate himself from difficulties. Yes, I will soon bring you my own messages!"
"Once out of here, do not fail to present yourself at our hotel."
"Oh! Madame!"