said the captain, whom
the events of the last day or two had reduced to a state of chronic
ill-temper, "I'll--I'll----"

"Yessir," said Mr. Walters, cheerfully. "I----"

He disappeared again, but his voice came floating down the
companion-ladder. "I 'ope--you'll accept--my good--wishes."

Captain Trimblett started as though he had been stung, and his
temperature rose to as near boiling point as science and the human
mechanism will allow. Twice he opened his mouth to bellow the boatswain
back again, and twice his courage failed him. He sat a picture of
wrathful consternation until, his gaze falling on a bottle of beer, he
emptied it with great rapidity, and pushing his plate away and lighting
his pipe sat trying to read a harmless meaning into Mr. Walters's
infernal congratulations.

He rose early next morning and set off for Laurel Lodge, a prey to
gloom, which the furtive glances of Mr. Walters had done nothing to
dissipate. Hartley was still in his bedroom when he arrived, but Rosa
showed him into the dining-room, and, having placed a chair, sped
lightly upstairs.

"I've told him," she said, returning in a breathless condition and
smiling at him.

The captain scowled at her.

"And he says he'll be down in a minute."

"Very good," said the captain, with a nod of dismissal.

Miss Jelks went as far as the sideboard, and, taking out a tablecloth,
proceeded to set the breakfast, regarding the captain with unaffected
interest as she worked.

"He ain't been very well the last day or two," she said, blandly.

The captain ignored her.

"Seems to have something on his mind," continued Miss Jelks, with a toss
of her head, as she placed the sugar-bowl and other articles on the
table.

The captain regarded her steadily for a moment, and then, turning, took
up a newspaper.

"I should think he never was what you'd call a strong man," murmured
Miss Jelks. "He ain't got the look of it."

The captain's temper got the better of him. "Who are you talking
about?" he demanded, turning sharply.

Miss Jelks's eyes shone, but there was no hurry, and she smoothed down a
corner of the tablecloth before replying.

"Your father-in-law, sir," she said, with a faint air of surprise.

Captain Trimblett turned hastily to his paper again, but despite his
utmost efforts a faint wheezing noise escaped him and fell like soft
music on the ears of Miss Jelks. In the hope that it might be repeated,
or that manifestations more grati