He did the only thing remaining to
mark a distinction between himself and them. He put on his hat.
"Ye're very wise now," said Blood amiably. "I feel the draught
myself." And he covered himself with his plumed castor.
M. de Rivarol changed colour. He quivered visibly with anger, and
was a moment controlling himself before venturing to speak. M. de
Cussy was obviously very ill at ease.
"Sir," said the Baron frostily, "you compel me to remind you that
the rank you hold is that of Capitaine de Vaisseau, and that you
are in the presence of the General of the Armies of France by Sea
and Land in America. You compel me to remind you further that
there is a deference due from your rank to mine."
"I am happy to assure you," said Captain Blood, "that the reminder
is unnecessary. I am by way of accounting myself a gentleman,
little though I may look like one at present; and I should not
account myself that were I capable of anything but deference to
those whom nature or fortune may have placed above me, or to those
who being placed beneath me in rank may labour under a disability
to resent my lack of it.
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