We want them to be satisfied. We do not like this
constantly increasing spirit of unrest. We, who have seen all the life
that we care to see, do not ourselves feel equal to the task of showing
them about. We will pay 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.
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