"Well, well, do not let us talk about it, now. You are restored to us, safe and sound; and though the loss was a heavy one, and crippled me for a time, I have got over it.
"Now, tell us what have you been doing, ever since. And by what miracle have you returned, safe and sound?"
"It is a long story, uncle. A very long story. But before I begin it, I may tell you that, though the ship and its venture were lost, I myself have returned by no means penniless; and can, indeed, repay to the full all the money expended upon the Swan and her outfit.
"Now I want you all to come round with me to the inn, for there I have left a lady whom I would fain introduce to you."
"Your wife?" Mistress Mercy cried. "You don't say you have brought home a wife, Roger?"
"That do I, aunt. She is a princess, in her own country; but what is much better, she is the dearest of women, and all but gave her life to save mine."
Mistress Mercy looked grave, and was about to speak, when Roger interrupted her.
"I know what you are about to say, aunt. The thought of having a foreign woman for your niece is shocking to you. Never mind, leave it unsaid, until you have seen her.
"But as we go, let us call in and see Dorothy, and take her on with us. I should wish her to be one of the first to welcome my wife."
Dorothy was as astonished as the others had been, when they arrived at her house with Roger; and cast a meaning glance at him, when she heard that he had brought home a wife.