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. He started out of bed,
and looked around for his clothes.

"Nice place, the country," pursued the Honourable Frederic
thoughtfully; "fresh eggs, and grass to clean your pipe with--but apt
to be dull. Now, a pleasant little society; cards, billiards, and
social _reunions_--select, of course--"

"Of course. Do you happen to be sitting on my trousers?"

"Eh? No, I believe--no. Let me see--limited loo and a modest pool
of an evening. Hullo! what's the matter?"

The Admiral had rushed to the door.

"Emily!" he bawled down the stairs.

"Well, I'll be going. Can't find your trousers? Admiral, it's the
last straw. But we'll be revenged, Admiral. We'll found a Club;
and, by George, sir, we'll call it 'The Inexpressibles'! Ta-ta for
the present," and Mr. Goodwyn-Sandys retired.

But what was being discussed below when the Admiral's voice disturbed
his wife? Alas! you shall hear.

"These men," Mrs. Goodwyn-Sandys was saying, "are all alike. But, my
dear, why not disregard his absurd humours? I have revolted from
Frederic long ago."

"You don't say so!"

"It is a fact. Take my advice and do the same. It needs courage at
first, but they are all cowards--oh, such cowards, my dear!
Revolt. Cry 'Havoc!' and let slip--"

"My dear, I should faint."

"Oh, poor soul! Reflect! How pretty the d