La
belle Barberie reddened to her forehead, seemed disposed to condemn the
liberty, frowned, smiled, and curtsying in confusion, withdrew.
Several minutes passed in profound silence, after Alida had disappeared.
The stranger was thoughtful, though his bright eye kindled, as if merry
thoughts were uppermost; and he paced the room, entirely heedless of the
existence of the Alderman. The latter, however, soon took occasion to
remind his companion of his presence.
"No fear of the girl's prating," exclaimed the Alderman, when his task was
ended. "She is an excellent and dutiful niece; and here, you see, is a
balance on her side of the account, that would shut the mouth of the wife
of the First Lord of the Treasury. I disliked the manner in which you
would have the child introduced; for, look you, I do not think that either
Monsieur Barberie, or my late sister, would altogether approve of her
entering into traffic, so very young;--but what is done, is done; and the
Norman himself could not deny that I have made a fair set-off, of very
excellent commodities, for his daughter's benefit.--When dost mean to sail
Master Seadrift?"
"With the morning tide. I little like the neighborhood of these meddling
guarda-costas."
"Bravely answered! Prudence is a cardinal quality in a private trader; and
it is a quality that I esteem in Master Skimmer, next to his punctuality
Dates and obligations! I wish half of the firms, of three and four names,
without counting the Co.
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