sonal matters--which, after all, concerned the nation most--he
had tried very hard to discover any reason (putting paltry luck aside)
why Horatio Nelson should be a Lord, and what was more to the purpose,
an admiral, while Charles Carroway (his old shipmate, and in every way
superior, who could eat him at a mouthful, if only he were good enough)
should now be no more than a 'long-shore lieutenant, and a Jonathan Wild
of the revenue. However, as for envying Nelson, the Lord knew that he
would not give his little Geraldine's worst frock for all the fellow's
grand coat of arms, and freedom in a snuff-box, and golden shields, and
devices, this, that, and the other, with Bona Robas to support them.

To this conclusion he was fairly come, after a good meal, and with the
second glass of the finest Jamaica pine-apple rum--which he drank from
pure principle, because it was not smuggled--steaming and scenting the
blue curls of his pipe, when his admirable wife came in to say that on
no account would she interrupt him.

"My dear, I am busy, and am very glad to hear it. Pish! where have I put
all those accounts?"

"Charles, you are not doing any accounts. When you have done your pipe
and glass, I wish to say a quiet word or two. I am sure that there is
not a woman in a thousand--"

"Matilda, I know it. Nor one in fifty thousand. You are very good at
figures: will you take this sheet away with you? Eight o'clock will be
quite time enough for it."

"My dear, I am always too pleased to do whatever I can to help you. But
I must talk to you now; really I must say a few words about something,
tired as you may be, Charles, and well deserving of a little good sleep,
which you never seem able to manage in bed. You told me, you know, that
you expected Cadman, that surly, dirty fellow, who delights to spoil my
stones, and would like nothing better than to take the pattern out
of our drawing-room Kidderminster. Now I have a reason for saying
something. Charles, will you listen to me once, just once?"

"I never do anything else," said the husband, with justice, and meaning
no mischief.

"Ah! how very seldom you hear me talk; and when I do, I might just as
well address the winds! But for once, my dear, attend, I do implore you.
That surly, burly Cadman will be here directly, and I know that you
are much put out with him. Now I tell you he is dangerous, savagely
dangerous; I can see it in his unhealthy skin. Oh, Charles, where have
you pu