What the lady said,
Peter could not hear at all, for she lowered her voice; the Colonel's
reached him in a confused rumble, but the Governor was neither
considerate nor indistinct; he had a high-pitched voice which carried
far, and believing himself witty, he desired to be heard by all.
"But, my dear Colonel Bishop, it is for you to take first choice
from this dainty nosegay, and at your own price. After that we'll
send the rest to auction."
Colonel Bishop nodded his acknowledgment. He raised his voice in
answering. "Your excellency is very good. But, faith, they're a
weedy lot, not likely to be of much value in the plantation." His
beady eyes scanned them again, and his contempt of them deepened
the malevolence of his face. It was as if he were annoyed with
them for being in no better condition. Then he beckoned forward
Captain Gardner, the master of the Jamaica Merchant, and for some
minutes stood in talk with him over a list which the latter produced
at his request.
Presently he waved aside the list and advanced alone towards the
rebels-convict, his eyes considering them, his lips pursed.
Pages:
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86