“Sir,” he said, turning to me and bowing, “I hope to know more of you before I commit this child to your keeping.”
“Now that all is settled for the second time,” said the King, greatly relieved. “Dr. Franklin, Commodore, and you, Duke, will you come with me?”
“We attend Your Majesty.”
The four gentlemen bowed low before the Queen. The King bowed to me, Dr. Franklin and Commodore Jones shook my hand. Our kindly minister made an appointment to meet me later in the palace.
“You were lucky,” he said.
Indeed I realized that, for I replied: “Thanks to you and the Commodore.”
“Nay,” said the Quaker, smiling, “thanks to Mademoiselle herself, and to your own ready wit.”
Then they left us alone with the Queen and Bucknall.
“It strikes me,” said Her Majesty, looking at the old sailor, “that nobody has said anything about the part you have played in this affair.”
“Aye, aye, mum,” began the sailor in great confusion, “w’ich I means yer honor——”