An old Dutch burgher laughed into his hand, and His Majesty's officers cocked their ears, for the whisper was more arresting than any loud talk.

Iberville coloured, but the flush passed quickly and left him unembarrassed.

He was not hurt, not even piqued, for he felt well used to her dainty raillery.

But he saw that Gering's eyes were on him, and the lull that fell as by a common instinct--for all could not have heard the question--gave him a thrill of timidity.

But, smiling, he said drily across the table, his voice quiet and clear: "My bravest and greatest thing was to answer an English lady's wit in English." A murmur of applause ran round, and Jessica laughed and clapped her hands.