"
"You are a man of singular intelligence," cried Ludlow, again facing the
intruder; "as well as one of singular------"
"Effrontery," rejoined the other, observing that the commander hesitated.
Let the commissioned officer of the Queen speak boldly; I am no better
than a top-man, or at most a quarter-master."
"I wish to say nothing disagreeable, but I find your knowledge of my offer
to convey the lady and her friends to the residence of Alderman Van
Beverout, a little surprising."
"And I see nothing to wonder at, in your offer to convey the lady
anywhere, though the liberality to her friends is not an act of so clear
explanation. When young men speak from the heart, their words are not
uttered in whispers."
"Which would imply that you overheard our conversation. I believe it, for
here is cover at hand to conceal you. It may be, Sir, that you have eyes,
as well as ears."
"I confess to have seen your countenance, changing sides, like a member of
parliament turning to a new leaf in his conscience, at the Minister's
signal while you overhauled a bit of paper----"
"Whose contents you could not know!"
"Whose contents I took to be some private orders, given by a lady who is
too much of a coquette herself, to accept your offer to sail in a vessel
of the same name."
"By Heavens, the fellow has reason in his inexplicable impudence!"
muttered Ludlow, pacing backward and forward beneath the shadow of the
tree.
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