I implore you to
observe that I but report his own words. I say nothing for myself."
His lordship's unusual nervousness was steadily increasing. "He
thought, then - so he told me - that my presence here had contributed
to his inability to redeem himself in your sight; and unless he were
so redeemed, then was redemption nothing."
She faced him fully, a frown of perplexity bringing her brows
together above her troubled eyes.
"He thought that you had contributed?" she echoed. It was clear
she asked for enlightenment. He plunged on to afford it her, his
glance a little scared, his cheeks flushing.
"Aye, and he said so in terms which told me something that I hope
above all things, and yet dare not believe, for, God knows, I am no
coxcomb, Arabella. He said... but first let me tell you how I was
placed. I had gone aboard his ship to demand the instant surrender
of your uncle whom he held captive. He laughed at me. Colonel
Bishop should be a hostage for his safety. By rashly venturing
aboard his ship, I afforded him in my own person yet another hostage
as valuable at least as Colonel Bishop.
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