"Then I'm glad my colour's come back; for, to tell the truth, you did give me a turn, just at first. You were looking out for me, no doubt——"
"My Prince!"—She stretched out her arms again, and being pretty well at my wits' end I let her embrace me. "It has been so long," she said. "Oh, the weary while! And they ill-treat me here. Where have you been, all this tedious time?"
I wasn't going to answer that, you may be sure. It appeared to me that 'twas my right to ask questions rather than stand there answering them.
"If they've been ill-treating you, ma'am," said I, "they shall answer for it."
"My love!"
"Yes, ma'am. Would it be taking a liberty if I asked their names?"
"There is Gertrude—"
"Gertrude's hash is as good as settled, ma'am."
I checked Gertrude off on my thumb.
"—that's my niece."