Fountain, but at
Eve--"Mr.--Mr.--"
"David Dodd is my brother's name," said Eve, quickly.
"Mr. David Dodd might be persuaded to give us the pleasure of his
company too."
"Oh yes, if I may bring dear David with me," burst out the child of
nature, coloring again with pleasure.
"It will add to the obligation," said Lucy, finishing the sentence in
character.
"So that is settled," said Mr. Fountain, somewhat dryly.
As they were walking home together, the courtier asked her uncle
rather coldly, "Who are these we have invited, dear?"
"Who are they? A pretty girl and a man she wouldn't come without."
"And who is the gentleman? What is he?"
"A marine animal--first mate of a ship."
"First mate? mate? Is that what in the novels is called boatswain's
mate?"
"Haw! haw! haw! I say, Lucy, ask him when he comes if he is the
bosen's mate. How little Eve will blaze!"
"Then I shall ask him nothing of the kind. Do tell me! I know
admirals--they swear--and captains, and, I think, lieutenants, and,
_above all,_ those little loves of midshipmen, strutting with
their dirks and cocked hats, like warlike bantams, but I never met
'mates.' Mates?"
"That is because you have only been introduced to the Royal Navy; but
there is another navy not so ornamental, but quite as useful, called
the East India Company's."
"I am ashamed to say I never heard of it."
"I dare say not. Well, in this navy there are only two kinds of
superior officers--the mates and the captain.
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