Buzza,
began to exculpate Mrs. Goodwyn-Sandys.
"But your wife is so charming, so--"
"Of course, my dear sir; so is Mrs. Buzza."
"She was termed the 'Belle of Portsmouth' at the Ball where I
proposed to her," remarked the Admiral, with some complacency.
"To be sure; trust a sailor to catch the pretty girls--eh?"
The Admiral chuckled feebly.
"But these women--"
"Ah! yes; these women--"
"Bachelor life was pleasant--eh, Admiral?"
"Ah!"
The two men looked at each other. A smile spread over either
countenance. I regret to say the Admiral winked, and then chuckled
again.
"Admiral, you must get up."
The Admiral stared interrogatively; his visitor pursued, with some
inconsequence--"By the way, is there a club here?"
"There's the 'Jolly Trojans' down at the 'Man-o'-War'; they meet on
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and--"
"Low lot, I suppose?"
"Well, yes," admitted the Admiral; "a certain amount of good
fellowship prevails, I understand; but low, of course--distinctly
low."
The Honourable Frederic tapped his boot reflectively with his
malacca.
"Admiral," he said at last, "you ought to found a Club here."
"Bless my heart! I never thought of it."
"It is your duty."
"You think so?"
"Sure of it."
"I will get up," said the Admiral decisively.
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