Pale and weak with dread, the boatman pulled as well as he could toward the splendid vessel ahead, while Rebecca resumed her seat, quite satisfied that all was as it should be.
A few strokes of the oars brought them to the barge's side, and Rebecca's waterman threw a rope to one of the crew.
A young man in uniform glowered down upon them, and to him the waterman turned, pulling off his cap and speaking with the utmost humility.
"The jade is moon-struck, your worship!" he exclaimed, eagerly. "I would not for a thousand pound——"
"Moon-struck!" snapped the lieutenant. "Who gave thee commission to ferry madmen, fellow?"
The poor waterman, at his wits' end, was about to reply when Rebecca interposed.
"Young man," she said, standing up, "I'll thank you to 'tend to business. Is Mrs. Victoria Tudor at home?"
At this moment a young gentleman, magnificently apparelled, stepped forth from the after cabin and approached the man in uniform.
"Lieutenant," he said, "her Majesty commands that the woman be brought before her in person. As for you," he continued, turning to the waterman, "return whence you came, and choose your fares better henceforth."
Two of the barge's crew extended each a hand to Rebecca.