“But we weren’t ready, Tom. When the fleet was signalled we were in the midst of trading.”
“Yes. But my dear child. If there’s no order, we may trade again to-morrow.”
“You think it’s all right then, Tom? Do you?”
“Of course I do, Livy. You’ve got fine eyes, Livy. Did you know that?”
“But why should they alter their scheme of fighting the Spaniards? You promised to help the Indians against the Spaniards. Now you’re suddenly asked to help Charles’s merchants to make trade with the Spaniards. You never promised to do that. And I should never have let you. Never. Never. Oh, Tom, they’ve tricked us cruelly. They aren’t going to help the Indians, Tom. They’re going to make money, like common city-merchants. And they want my noble, generous Tom to help them. Don’t do it, dear. Don’t do it. I can’t bear it.”
“My dear Livy.”
“I can’t have you mixed up with merchants.”
“Look here, old girl. Aren’t you a little unreasonable? We’ve decided that we can help the Indians best by making some sort of agreement with the Spaniards.”
“You say we have decided this. When was it decided? Why wasn’t I told?”
“We haven’t really decided. It was suggested last night. After you’d gone to bed.”