otter."

"I've so much to tell you, Mr Simple," replied she, ordering the boat
to pull alongside; and as she was coming up, desired the man to get the
things in, as if permission was quite unnecessary. I did not
counter-order it, as I knew none of the others, and, as far as honesty
was concerned, believed them all to be much on a par. On the strength,
then, of old acquaintance, Mrs Trotter was admitted.

"Well, I'm sure, Mr Simple," cried Mrs Trotter, out of breath with
climbing up the brig's side; "what a man you've grown,--and such a
handsome man, too! Dear, dear, it makes me feel quite old to look at
you, when I call to mind the little boy whom I had charge of in the
cockpit. Don't you think I look very old and ugly, Mr Simple?"
continued she, smiling and smirking.

"Indeed, Mrs Trotter, I think you wear very well. Pray how is your
husband?"

"Ah, Mr Simple, poor dear Mr Trotter--he's gone. Poor fellow, no what
with his drinking, and his love for me--and his jealousy--(do you
recollect how jealous he was, Mr Simple?)--he wore himself out at last.
No wonder, considering what he had been accustomed to, after keeping
his carriage and dogs with everybody, to be reduced to see his wife go a
_bumming_. It broke his heart, poor fellow! and, Mr Simple, I've been
much happier ever since, for I could not bear to see him fretting.
Lord, how jealous he was--and all about nothing! Don't you want some
fresh meat for the gun-room? I've a nice leg of mutton in the boat, and
some milk for tea."

"Recollect, Mrs Trotter, I shall not overlook your bringing spirits on
board."

"Lord, Mr Simple, how could you think of such a thing? It's very true
that these very common people do it, but the company I have kept, the
society I have been in, Mr Simple! Besides, you must recollect, that I
never drank anything but water."

I could not exactly coincide with her, but I did not contradict her.

"Would you like the Portsmouth paper, Mr Simple?" taking one out of her
pocket; "I know gentlemen are fond of the news. Poor Trotter used never
to stir from the breakfast-table until he had finished the daily paper--
but that was when we lived in very different style. Have you any
clothes to wash, Mr Simple,--or have any of the gentlemen?"

"I fear we have no time, we sail too soon," replied I; "we go with the
convoy."

"Indeed!" cried Mrs Trotter, who walked to the main hatchway and called
to her man Bill. I heard her give him