No response being forthcoming, he laughed again for his own edification, and sat good-humouredly waiting events.
"Is this true, Thomas ?" demanded Mrs.Chalk.
"Yes, my dear," was the reply.
"Then why didn't you tell me, instead of sitting there listening to a string of falsehoods ?" "I--I wanted to give you a surprise--a pleasant little surprise," said Mr.Chalk, with a timid glance at Captain Bowers.

"I have bought a share in a schooner, to go for a little cruise.

Just a jaunt for pleasure." "Tredgold, Stobell, and Chalk," said Captain Bowers, very distinctly.
"I wanted to keep it secret until it had been repainted and done up," continued Mr.Chalk, watching his wife's face anxiously, "and then Captain Brisket came in and spoilt it." "That's me, ma'am," said the gentleman mentioned, shaking his head despairingly.

"That's Bill Brisket all over.

I come blundering in, and the first thing I do is to blurt out secrets; then, when I try to smooth it over----" Mrs.Chalk paid no heed.