The Blanche had taken a position on the beam of the
Guardian-Mother, her band playing for all they were worth. Captain Sharp
was on the platform of the gangway, and took every lady by the hand as he
assisted her to disembark. At the head of the gangway on deck stood General
Noury, who received the ladies, all of whom he had met before; and the
distinguished guests were presented to him, after which he shook hands with
every other member of the party. He was especially respectful, and even
reverential, to the commander of the Guardian-Mother, who had forgiven so
much in his past conduct.
Mrs. Sharp came in for a large share of the consideration of the visitors.
An hour was spent in the drawing-room, as they called the deck cabin, which
was as large as the boudoir and music-room of the Guardian-Mother. The band
had laid aside their brass instruments, and organized as an orchestra,
stationed in a sort of recess in the forward part of the cabin. The general
conversed with every person in the party; and when Scott addressed him as
"Your Highness," he protested that he did not wish to hear the expression
again.
He talked French with Louis, Italian with Sir Modava, and Spanish with Lord
Tremlyn; for it was understood that he spoke at least half a dozen
languages besides his own, and the guests found he was equally fluent in
all they knew.
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