A feeling of consideration for Anstruther prevented any arrangements being made for subsequent meetings.

Once their courteous duty was ended, the officers of the _Orient_ could not give him any further social recognition.
Lord Ventnor was aware of this fact and endeavored to turn it to advantage.
"By the way, Fitzroy," he called out to the commander as he prepared to descend the gangway, "I want you, and any others not detained by duty, to come and dine with me tonight." Captain Fitzroy answered blandly--"It is very good of you to ask us, but I fear I cannot make any definite arrangements until I learn what orders are awaiting me here." "Oh, certainly.

Come if you can, eh ?" "Yes; suppose we leave it at that." It was a polite but decided rebuff.

It in no way tended to sweeten Lord Ventnor's temper, which was further exasperated when he hurt his shin against one of Robert's disreputable-looking tins, with its accumulation of debris.
The boat swung off into the tideway.

Her progress shorewards was watched by a small knot of people, mostly loungers and coolies.