"
"I lay you anything not one of 'em is worth old Mr. Van Draagen, who
turns his thousands every month. 'Send me out a lady lass,' says he,
'one that will do me credit with the governor's lady.' Why she will
have an estate as big as from here to Dover, and slaves to wait on
her, so as she need never stoop to pick up her glove. He has been
married twice before, and his last used to send orders for the best
brocades in London. He stuck at no expense. The Queen has not finer
gowns!"
"But to think of the poor child's waking up out at sea."
"Oh! Mrs. Karen will let her know she may think herself well off. I
never let 'em go unless there's a married woman aboard to take charge
of them, and that's why I kept your lady waiting till the _Red Cloud_
was ready to sail. You may tell her Ladyship she could not have a
better berth, and she'll want for nothing. I know what is due to the
real quality, and I've put aboard all the toilette, and linen, and
dresses as was bespoke for the last Mrs. Van Draagen, and there's a
civil spoken wench aboard, what will wait on her for a consideration."
"Nay, but mistress," said Loveday, whispering: "I know those that
would give more than you will ever get from my Lady if they found
her safe here."
"Of course there are, or she would not be here now," said Mrs.
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