"Well, my friend," I said, "this is the last supper that thou wilt bring for me. To-morrow I will be where they do not eat, or at least not such stuff as this that thou dost bring."
"Sir Thomas!" a voice cried. "Is it thou?"
And springing to a sitting posture, whom should I see but Steele, whom I had last left on board the ship with the Spanish maid.
"Steele!" I cried, "Steele!" And leaping to my feet, I almost hugged him in my delight. "Then there is still one friend left to me."
He was as glad to see me as I was to see him; the great tears of joy rolled down his face as he answered:
"Yes, one friend who will stay with thee to the last. I have been out of London to my country place in Hampshire, and only returned to-day. As soon as I arrived I heard the news and came immediately, without stopping to change my clothes," and he pointed to the mud upon his boots.
"Sit down," I said, "and tell me about thyself. But first, what has become of the Spanish maid?"
He colored deeply beneath his ruddy skin. With a smile he answered:
"She is now Mistress Steele."
"Is it possible!" I cried in surprise. "Let me congratulate thee. She is a lovely girl, and I have no doubt is as amiable as she is beautiful. Dame Fortune has indeed smiled upon thee," and I shook his hand heartily.