Dawson, R.A., and the Calthorpes!

He might, had he thought it worth his while, have found some
respectable French family and boarded her out. There was a man he
had known for years at Oxford, a cabinetmaker; the wife a most
worthy woman. He could have gone over there from time to time, his
notebook in his pocket, and have interviewed her.

Left to himself, he might have behaved as a sane and rational
citizen; or he might not. There are records favouring the latter
possibility. The thing is not certain. But as regards this
particular incident in his career he must be held exonerated. The
decision was taken out of his hands.

To Malvina, on first landing in England, Commander Raffleton had
stated his intention of leaving her temporarily in the care of the
wise and learned Christopher. To Malvina, regarding the Commander
as a gift from the gods, that had settled the matter. The wise and
learned Christopher, of course, knew of this coming. In all
probability it was he--under the guidance of the gods--who had
arranged the whole sequence of events. There remained only to
tender him her gratitude. She did not wait for the Professor's
reply. The coat a little hindered her but, on the other hand, added
perhaps an appealing touch of its own. Taking the wise and learned
Christopher's hand in both her own, she knelt and kissed it.

And in that quaint archaic French of hers, that long study of the
Chronicles of Froissart enabled the Professor to understand:

"I thank you," she said, "for your noble courtesy and hospitality."