Caroline assured her guardian, however, that they would return in season for the evening meal.
The captain spent lonely but busy hours until dinner time came.

He had done some scheming on his own hook and, after a long argument with the cook, reenforced by a small sum in cash, had prevailed upon that haughty domestic to fashion a birthday cake of imposing exterior and indigestible make-up.

Superintending the icing of this masterpiece occupied some time.

He then worried Edwards into a respectful but stubborn fury by suggesting novelties in the way of table arrangement.
Another bestowal of small change quelled the disturbance.

Then came, by messenger, a dozen American Beauty roses with Mr.Pearson's card attached.