hammond 's expression conveyed without words that the spirit of resentment was alive and well ; laurence answered more politely for their party , and added , `` and i am indebted to you , sir , for having given mrs. pemberton your protection : indeed , madam , i would ask on your behalf if he would extend that protection a little further , as we are not- '' `` but of course- '' `` captain , if i might- '' `` no , i thank you , '' mrs. pemberton said very decisively , cutting short laurence 's question and de guignes 's immediate response , and hammond 's own interjection as well .