'If I ever expected gratitude from people I might feel the
injustice--the insolence--of your last remark,' she said; 'but as I
never do expect gratitude, I am not disappointed in this case. And now I
think if there is a cabin which I can have to myself I should like to
retire to it,' she added. 'My cares are thrown away here.'
There was a cabin at Lady Kirkbank's disposal. It had been already
appropriated by Rilboche, and smelt of cognac; but Rilboche resigned her
berth to her mistress, and laid herself meekly on the floor for the rest
of the voyage.
They were in Cowes Roads at eight o'clock next morning, and Lord
Hartfield went on shore for a doctor, whom he brought back before nine,
and who pronounced Lady Lesbia to be in a very weak and prostrate
condition, and forbade her being moved within the next two days. Happily
Lord Hartfield had borrowed the _Philomel_ and her crew from a friend
who had given him _carte blanche_ as to the use he made of her, and who
freely left her at his disposal so long as he and his party should need
the accommodation.
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