To her it was just a great ship that was heading
resolutely, majestically, towards them, and an Englishman to judge
by the pennon she was flying. The sight thrilled her curiously; it
awoke in her an uplifting sense of pride that took no account of
the danger to herself in the encounter that must now be inevitable.
Beside her on the poop, whither they had climbed to obtain a better
view, and equally arrested and at gaze, stood Lord Julian. But he
shared none of her exultation. He had been in his first sea-fight
yesterday, and he felt that the experience would suffice him for a
very considerable time. This, I insist, is no reflection upon his
courage.
"Look," said Miss Bishop, pointing; and to his infinite amazement
he observed that her eyes were sparkling. Did she realize, he
wondered, what was afoot? Her next sentence resolved his doubt.
"She is English, and she comes resolutely on. She means to fight."
"God help her, then," said his lordship gloomily. "Her captain must
be mad. What can he hope to do against two such heavy hulks as
these? If they could so easily blow the Royal Mary out of the water,
what will they do to this vessel? Look at that devil Don Miguel.
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