"A most excellent view."
"So that you would have seen any strange craft entering or leaving the estuary?"
"Most assuredly."
"I have no wish to alarm you, but it is possible, you know, that the Frenchman has used Helford in the past, and may yet do so again."
"You terrify me."
"And I must warn you that he is the type of man who would have little respect for your person."
"You mean - he is quite unscrupulous?"
"I fear so."
"And his men are most desperate and savage?"
"They are pirates, madam, and Frenchmen at that."
"Then I will take the greatest possible care of my household.
Are they, do you think, cannibals also?
My baby son is not yet two."
Lady Godolphin gave a little shriek of horror, and began fanning herself rapidly.
Her husband clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Calm yourself, Lucy, Lady St. Columb was jesting, of course.
I would assure you, though," he added, turning to Dona once again, "that the matter is not a trifling one, nor to be treated with levity.
I feel myself responsible for the safety of the people in the district around, and as Harry is not with you at Navron I must admit that I am concerned about you."
Dona rose to her feet, holding out her hand.
"It is very good of you," she said, treating him to her special smile, the one she reserved for difficult occasions.
"I shall not forget your kindness, but I assure you there is no need for anxiety.
I can, if necessary, bar and bolt my house.
And with neighbours such as yourselves" - she glanced from Godolphin to Eustick and to Penrose - "I am aware that no harm can come to me.
You are all three so reliable, so stalwart, so very - if I may say so - English, in your ways."
The three men bowed over her hand in turn, and she smiled at each of them.
"Perhaps," she said, "the Frenchman has left our coasts for good, and you need concern yourselves no more about him."
"I wish we could think so," said Eustick, "but we flatter ourselves we are beginning to know the scoundrel. He is always most dangerous when he is most quiet.
We shall hear of him again, and that before very long."
"And," added Penrose, "he will strike just where we least expect him, under our very noses.
But it will be the last time."
"It will be my very special pleasure," said Eustick slowly, "to hang him from the tallest tree in Godolphin's park, just before sundown.
And I invite the company here present to attend the ceremony."
"Sir, you are very bloodthirsty," said Dona.
"So would you be, madam, if you had been robbed of your possessions.
Pictures, silver, plate - all of considerable value."
"But think what joy you will have replacing them!"
"I fear I consider the matter in a very different light." He bowed, and turned away, his cheek flushing once again in annoyance.
Godolphin accompanied Dona to her carriage. "Your remark was somewhat unfortunate," he said. "Eustick is very near with his money."
"I am notorious," said Dona, "for making unfortunate remarks."
"No doubt in London they are understood."
"I think not.
That was one of the reasons I came away from London."
He stared at her without understanding, and handed her into her carriage.
"Your coachman is competent?" he asked, glancing up at William, who alone, and unattended by a footman, held the reins in his hands.
"Very competent," said Dona. "I would trust him with my life."
"He has an obstinate face."
"Yes - but so amusing, and I adore his mouth."
Godolphin stiffened, and stepped away from the door of the carriage.
"I am sending letters to town within the week," he said coldly, "have you any message for Harry?"
"Only that I am well, and exceedingly happy."