“My dear,” said the Colonel to his wife, “I think now is the best time to take that trip to Europe we have had in our hearts for so long. Get ready; let us go.”
“What has happened?” Mrs. Colonel Hornblower asked.
“Nothing, except that that partner of mine made a fiasco of his political campaign,” and the Colonel related to his swarthy lady Roper's speech, and how it was received.
“How absurd! so unnecessary!” she exclaimed.
“Perfectly, but you see, for a man of my dignity the thing is awkward. What will the town say of me, ME?”
“The town will say nothing. As long as Roper has the friendship of Judge Lawlack he can have clients; and as long as he has clients the San Diego people will be indulgent to him, no matter how debased he says he is. However, drop him, and let's go to Europe. I wish we could get letters to distinguished people abroad.”
“What for? Our American ministers can present us to the best society, and besides, I am sure I am well known abroad. My name—the name of Colonel Hornblower—must be as familiar to Europeans as the names of other distinguished Americans. I am the most prominent man in San Diego. All the world knows San Diego, all the world must know Colonel Hornblower.”
“Still, I would like to get letters.”
“Not at all necessary, I assure you. I'll tell our minister in England that Mrs. Colonel Hornblower wishes to be presented to Queen Victoria, and he'll present you. The Queen, no doubt, will wish to make our acquaintance.”
“I would like to see other royal people. I would like to see the Pope, also.”