you liberally if you will take our House-boat, which they have always
been anxious to enter, and personally conduct our beloved ones to
Paris, London, and elsewhere. Let them see as much of life as they
can stand. Accord them every privilege. Spare no expense; only
bring them back again to us safe and sound.' These were their words,
ladies. I asked them why they didn't come along themselves, saying
that even if they were tired of it all, they should make some
personal sacrifice to your comfort; and they answered, reasonably and
well, that they would be only too glad to do so, but that they feared
they might unconsciously seem to exert a repressing influence upon
you. 'We want them to feel absolutely free, Captain Kidd,' said
they, 'and if we are along they may not feel so.' The answer was
convincing, ladies, and I accepted the commission."

"But we knew nothing of all this," interposed Elizabeth. "The
subject was not broached to us by our husbands, brothers, fiances, or
fathers. My brother, Sir Walter Raleigh--"

Cleopatra chuckled. "Brother! Brother's good," she said.

"Well, that's what he is," retorted Elizabeth, quickly. "I promised
to be a sister to him, and I'm going to keep my word. That's the
kind of a queen I am. I was about to remark," Elizabeth added,
turning to the captain, "that my brother, Sir Walter Raleigh, never
even hinted at any such plan, and usually he asked my advice in
matters of so great importance."

"That is easily accounted for, madame," retorted Kidd. "Sir Walter
intended this as a little surprise for you, that is all. The
arrangements were all placed in his hands, and it was he who bound us