So, while all nations employed privateers, they never recognized the officers and crews as being other than patriotic pirates.
The gathering was, however, full of enthusiasm, and Dolly Madison herself led the drinking of the toast.
Secretary of the Navy, Paul Hamilton, responded for the government, and complimented the _Lively Bee_ on attacking and capturing a war vessel.
"That was a brave act, and even though she sailed under a letter of marque, we must acknowledge that she did the State great service."
Then Lieutenant Tempest acknowledged the toast, while Lieutenant Hamilton merely bowed.
Bob was close to Mrs. Madison, and was particularly pleased with himself.
"What a handsome man that young privateer is!"
Bob leaned over the lady's shoulder and whispered:
"But you should see his wife; she's a stunner--A1 anywhere; she is a beauty!"
A young lady, who had not long made her _début_, and had been looking at Tempest with eyes which were full of love, now blushed slightly and in a low whisper said:
"What a pity he is married; he is so very handsome."
Bob might have heard what was said, but he took no notice except to remark to Mrs. Madison that the lieutenant captured his bride at the same time he did the vessel.
Seeing that the two boys were drinking rather freely, and getting far more talkative, their officers ordered them from the room, much to Bob's annoyance. Jack Creamer took it good-naturedly, and when he and Bob found such good things in store for them in the kitchen, they began to feel more thoroughly at home.
During the evening Dolly managed to ask Tempest about his wife.
"Ah! you little think how such news travels," she answered teasingly.
"Surely, the commodore did not tell you?"
"No, dear madam; but the circumstances were so strange that----"
"I would like to know all about it," interjected the mistress of the White House, who loved to hear a love romance quite as much as she did when wooed and won as a wife.
Tempest needed no pressing, for he was in love with Bertha, and nothing was so gratifying to him as to talk of her.
He told his story, and Mrs. Madison was delighted.
Her eyes flashed with the fire of youth, her face flushed with pleasure, and she had to call her husband to tell him of the brave privateer's love story.