Before Smith could translate, the officer replied to her.
“I speak English,” he said, “it is not necessary that he translate. I have the honour to present myself—Captain von Moll.”
“Very pleased to meet you, Captain von Moll. Won’t you come ashore and breakfast with us?”
“I regret that is impossible,” said von Moll. “I am much occupied.”
He spoke slowly, pronouncing each word carefully. He looked steadily at the Queen, not taking his eyes from her face for a moment. His words were civil. His attitude was strictly correct. But there was something in his stare which the Queen did not like, a suggestion of insolence. She felt that this man regarded her as an inferior, a member of an inferior sex perhaps, or one of an inferior race. American women, especially American girls, are not accustomed to think of themselves as men’s inferiors. American citizens find it impossible to believe that any one in the world can look down on them. The Queen was not annoyed. She was piqued and interested.
“Perhaps,” she said, “you will come for luncheon or dinner. We dine at half-past seven.”
Von Moll saluted again with formal politeness.
“I will dine with you,” he said, “at half-past seven. Meanwhile I am sorry that I cannot ask you to come on board and see my ship. My men are much occupied.”
The Queen signed to Kalliope and the boat left the steamer’s side.