All of a sudden, without with your leave or by your leave, the
said David caught this light fantastic object up in his arms, and
carried it on one shoulder.
On this she gave a little squeak; then, without a moment's interval,
continued her lecture as if nothing had happened. She looked down from
her perch like a hen from a ladder, and laid down the law to David
with seriousness and asperity.
"And just please to remember that they are people a long way above
us--at least above what we are now, since father fell into trouble; so
don't you make too free; and Miss Fountain is the finest of all the
fine ladies in the county."
"Then I am sorry we are going."
"No, you are not; she is a beautiful girl."
"That alters the case."
"No, it does not. Don't chatter so, David, interrupting forever, but
listen and mind what I say, or I'll never take you anywhere again."
"Are you sure you are taking me now?" asked David, dryly.
"Why not, Mr. David?" retorted Eve, from his shoulder. "Didn't I hear
you tell how you took the _Combermere_ out of harbor, and how you
brought her into port; she didn't take you out and bring you home,
eh?"
"Had me there, though."
"Yes; and, what is more, you are not skipper of the _Combermere_
yet, and never will be; but I am skipper of you."
"Ashore--not a doubt of it," said David, with cool indifference. He
despised terrestrial distinction, courting only such as was marine.
"Then I command you to let me down this instant.
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