"
Vociferous applause followed this impromptu trope, and for some
moments the Admiral's voice was completely drowned.
"I hope and trust," he went on, as soon as silence was restored,
"that she enjoys good health."
The stranger looked more perplexed than ever.
"But be that as it may--be that, I say, as it may, my pleasant duty
is now discharged. In the name of my fellow-Trojans and in my own
name I bid you a hearty welcome to 'The Bower.'" (Loud and
continuous cheering, during which the Admiral handed his card with a
flourish, and mopped his brow.)
"I can assure you," replied the stranger after a pause, "that I am
deeply sensible of your kindness--" (The cheering was renewed.)
"While conscious," he went on, "that I have done nothing to deserve
it. In point of fact, I think you must all be labouring under some
ridiculous delusion."
"What do you mean, sir?" gasped the Admiral. "Do you mean to say you
are not the new tenant of this delightful residence?" Then the
speaker waved his hand in the direction of "The Bower."
"Certainly I am not."
"Then, damme, sir! who are you?" cried the Admiral, whose temper was,
as we know, short.
"My name is Fogo," replied the stranger. "Here is my card--Philip
Fogo--at your service."
Even Miss Limpenny, with the first-floor window of No.
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