"Well, it's this way," Reynolds began. "I've got so tired having all you people sitting on my door-step I just had to make arrangements to ship you on the _Saxonia_ in self-defense. _Saxonia's_ due here from Naples Thursday--day after to-morrow; sails for New York at dawn Friday morning. Lady Crandall, here--and a better American never came out of the Middle West--has agreed to go bond for your passage money; all your letters of credit and checks will be cashed by treasury agents before you leave the dock at New York, and you can settle with the steamship people right there. "No, no; don't thank me! There's the person responsible for your getting home." The consul waved toward the governor's lady, who blushed rosily under the tumultuous blessings showered on her. Reynolds ducked out the door to save his face. The Shermans made their good nights, and with Kimball, started toward the stairs. "Thursday night, before you sail," Lady Crandall called to them, "you all have an engagement--a regular American dinner with me at the Government House. Remember!" "If you have hash--plain hash--and don't call it a rag-owt, we'll eat you out of house and home," Sherman shouted as addendum to the others' thanks. "And you, my dear"--Lady Crandall beamed upon Jane--"you're coming right home with me to wait for the _Saxonia's_ sailing. Oh, no, don't be too ready with your thanks. This is pure selfishness on my part. I want you to help plan my fall clothes. There, the secret's out. But with all those beautiful gowns, surely Hildebrand will not object if you leave the pattern of one of them in an out-of-the-way little place like this. Come on, now, I'll not take no for an answer. We'll pack up all these beauties and have you off in no time." [Illustration: Lady Crandall beamed upon Jane.] Jane's thanks were ignored by the capable packer who smoothed and straightened the confections of silk and satin in the osier hampers. Lady Crandall summoned the porter to lift the precious freight to the back of her dogcart, waiting outside. Almer, perturbed at the kidnaping of his guest, came from behind the desk. "You will go to your room now?" he queried anxiously. "Not going to take it," Jane answered. "Have an invitation from Lady Crandall to visit the State House, or whatever you call it." "But, pardon me. The room--it was rented, and I fear one night's lodging is due. Twenty shillings." Jane elevated her eyebrows, but handed over a bill. "Ah, no, lady. French paper--it is worthless to me. Only English gold, if the lady pleases." Almer's smile was leonine. "But it's all I've got; just came from France, and----" "Then, though it gives me the greatest sorrow, I must hold your luggage until you have the money changed. Excuse----"