“Indeed, that is what I have been doing my best to persuade her, but she is somewhat shy until a little matter of difference between us is settled.”
“What, Nairn! Is it possible you have already met the fair one strong in fight, of whom I prophesied?”
“Yes, I suppose so,” he said, with a happy laugh. “I may as well tell you. She is Mademoiselle de Sarennes. The only thing that troubles me is, that she wishes to leave the matter to chance.”
“I congratulate you on the lady, first of all, sir. And now, what are the chances?”
He moved uneasily. “Just a woman's fancy, I suppose; but she wishes it to depend on the arrival of the ships.”
“What! Are those fateful ships to carry the decisions of Cupid as well as Mars? What part are they to play in your affairs?”
“Part enough. If a French ship arrives first, she marries me; if an English, then I marry her.”
“Good heavens, Nairn! What an anxiety to have hanging over you! Have you provided against the possible appearance of a Spaniard?”
“None of your nonsense, Chevalier!” he exclaimed, hotly. “This is no jesting matter for me. Cannot you take anything seriously? I conceive it to make all the difference in the world, whether the man take the woman, or the woman the man. I hate turning things upside-down, and, if I marry at all, I must do so in a decent, orderly way, like my fathers before me.”
“That is all very well, but shouldn't you allow the lady some choice, especially if you should turn out to be a prisoner, as will certainly be the case should a French ship appear first?”