The young man smiled. "Yes, thanks to Providence, and to a good friend of mine in Salem."
"Tell me all about it," said the lady. "I have had the magisterial account already, and now wish to have yours."
"Will your ladyship pardon me if I ask a question first? I am so anxious to hear about Mistress Dulcibel. Have you seen her lately—and is she well?"
"As well and as blooming as ever. The keeper and his wife treat her very kindly—and I think would continue to do so—even if the supply of British gold pieces were to fail. By the way, she might be on the high seas now—or rather in New York—if she had so chosen."
"I wish she had. Why did she not go with them?"
"Because your arrest complicated things so. She would not go and leave you in the hands of the Philistines."
"Oh, that was foolish."
"I think so, too; but I do not think that you are exactly the person to say so," responded the lady, a little offended at what seemed a want of appreciation of the sacrifice that Dulcibel had made on his account.
But Master Raymond appeared not to notice the rebuke. He simply added: "If I could have been there to counsel her, I would have convinced her that I was in no serious danger—for, even if imprisoned, I do not think there is a jail in the Province that could hold me."
"Well, there was a difficulty with the Keeper also—for she had given her word, you know, not to escape, when she was taken into his house."