IV
Lady Court's yearnings for society from the great world, which were at the root of a good deal of the wretchedness of that household, received some satisfaction on the morrow, when the Mary of Modena reached the island of Nevis — that vast green mountain rising from the sea — and came to cast anchor in Charlestown Bay.
Mr Court, all a quivering eagerness to go ashore, was in the very act of ordering Jacob, the steward, to take up his portmantles, when Captain Blood sauntered into the cabin.
'That will be for tomorrow perhaps,' said he.
'Tomorrow?' Mr Court stared at him. 'But this is Nevis, isn't it?'
'To be sure. This is Nevis. But before we set you ashore there's the trifling matter of the price of your passage.'
'Oh! That!' Mr Court was contemptuous. 'Didn't I say you might make it what you please?'
'You did. And, faith, I may be taking you at your word.'
Mr Court did not like the Captain's smile. He interpreted it in his own fashion.
'If you mean to be — ah — extortionate…'