“Let me stay,” I begged.
“I’d be glad and proud if you would, Joseph. You know Captain Mason is to return with the Hope as soon as he can, and will bring teachers and a clergyman from America, and Annabel and Mr. Rawley will be married then.”
I do not know what it was that she saw—or that her sensitive pride made her see—in my face that made her quickly withdraw her hands and step back as her eyes flashed and her cheeks crimsoned.
“Joseph! I never dreamed that you could think I meant—that!”
“It was my love, my joy, dear heart. When the clergyman comes——”
Annabel and Christopher entered. The queen flew at her, embraced her and kissed her, and then, standing off in front of Christopher, cried in a teasing voice:
“Christopher, you do love me, don’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he placidly answered as he set the chairs for luncheon.