“The Cardinal-Archbishop will be saying a mass of thanksgiving tomorrow morning,” said Lord Beerdrop to King GarGar and Queen Pirouette. “Not a single soul drowned today when the Marie Rose capsized.”

“It is quite miraculous that so many souls were spared. I wonder if it’s a sign?” Mused Queen Pirouette.

“A sign, Your Majesty?” Queried Lord Beerdrop.

“Yes. One might interpret the Marie Rose to be a metaphor for the ship of state. The passengers and crew would be the people of the Kingdom. Perhaps God is warning us of some calamity, but that in the end, everything will be alright?”

“Now, now, my dear,” interjected King GarGar. “One mustn’t start seeing signs. After awhile, everything starts to look like a sign. No, so many souls surviving is miraculous indeed. Just leave it at that.”