“He fights everybody,” says the good doctor, resignedly; “on land as well as on sea. Nor can I teach him the difference between his own personal enemies, and the enemies of his country.” “He seems a bit unruly,” observes the pompous Mr. Adams; “a bit unruly, does this Captain Jones of yours. I’m told he sold the _Drake_, and what other ships were captured on his recent cruise, in the most high-handed, masterful way.” “What else was he to do? When a road becomes impassable, what is your course? You push down a panel of fence and go cross-lots. Captain Jones had two hundred prisoners to feed, besides his own brave crew of one hundred and eighteen. We had no money to give him. Were they to starve? I’m not surprised that he sold the ships.” “I’m surprised that the Frenchmen bought them,” returns Mr. Adams. “Captain Jones could give no title.” Doctor Franklin’s keen eyes twinkle. “He could give possession, Mr. Adams. And let me tell you that in France, as everywhere else, possession is nine parts of the law.” Madame Brillon draws Mr. Adams aside, while Doctor Franklin welcomes the beautiful royal girl--the Duchess de Chartres; to whom he later presents Mr. Adams and Mrs. Adams. Madame Houdetot leaves Mrs. Adams with the girl-Duchess and talks aside with Doctor Franklin. “I did not know,” she whispers, with an eye on the girlish Duchess, “that you received calls from royalty.” “The Duchess de Chartres has been with her great relative, the king, upon the business of Captain Jones. She comes to meet the captain, whom we every moment expect.” “She is in love with him!--madly in love with him!” says Madame Houdetot. “All the world knows it.” The doctor, who at seventy-two is a distinguished gallant, smiles sympathetically. “Did I not once tell you that Captain Jones, the invincible among men, is the irresistible among women!” “Something of the sort, I think. But you have heard of the duchess and your irresistible, invincible one, had you not?” “My dear madam, I am a diplomat,” replies the doctor, slyly. “And it is an infraction of the laws of diplomacy to tell what you hear.” “They have been very tender at the duchess’s summer house near Brest.” “And the husband--the Duke de Chartres!” “A most excellent gentleman! A most admirable husband of most unimpeachable domestic manners! Believe me, I cannot laud him too highly! Every husband in Prance should copy him! He honors his wife, and--stays aboard his ship, the _Saint Esprit_.” After a pause the gossipy Madame Houdetot continues: “No doubt the duke considers his wife’s rank. Is the great-granddaughter of the Grande Louis to be held within those narrow lines that confine the feet of other women?” “Who is this Mr. Adams?” asks Madame Brillon, coming up. “Is he a great man?” Doctor Franklin glances across where the austere Mr. Adams is stiffly posing, with a final thought of impressing the sparkling Duchess de Chartres.