"Ah!" she beamed on us both. "Then you shall have time to play with me. Do you play breedge, Sir John?"
I turned away, for it was time to relieve Lane in the saloon.
CHAPTER XI
The Lull
When you consider how I had parted from the Prince, his subsequent conduct must be regarded as creditable. After my watch I fell dead asleep in my bunk, and might have slept till night had it not been for the sense of discipline possessed and exhibited by his Royal Highness. He visited me in person, and did me the honour to arouse me from my dreamless slumber, whereat I sat up cursing.
"It is natural you should feel irritated, Dr. Phillimore," said he calmly. "But when you come to yourself you will perceive that duty must be performed. It is your watch."
"Oh, ah!" I blurted forth. "You must excuse me; sir, but I have had a night of it."
He nodded amiably. "If you will come to my cabin after your watch," he observed, "I shall have something to say to you."
I do not know that I looked forward to the interview with any interest. I expected some censure of my conduct earlier in the day, and I was resolved to defend myself. But the Prince proved mild and even amiable. He offered me a cigar, and condescended to discuss some points of policy with me.