The rear-admiral listened with his accustomed respect, whenever any thing grave was in discussion between them; and, had any one entered while they were thus engaged, he would have seen in the manner of one, nothing but the dignified frankness of a friendly superior, and in the other the deference which the naval inferior usually pays to rank.

As he concluded Sir Gervaise rang his bell, and desired the presence of Sir Wycherly Wychecombe.
"I could have wished to remain and see this battle for the succession fairly fought," he said; "but a battle of a different sort calls us in another quarter.

Show him in," he added, as his man intimated that the young baronet was in waiting.
"What between the duties of our professional stations, and those of the guest to the host," said the vice-admiral, rising and bowing to the young man; "it is not easy to settle the question of etiquette between us, Sir Wycherly; and I have, from habit, thought more of the admiral and the lieutenant, than of the lord of the manor and his obliged guests.

If I have erred, you will excuse me." "My new situation is so very novel, that I still remain all sailor, Sir Gervaise," answered the other, smiling; "as such I hope _you_ will ever consider me.

Can I be of any service, here ?" "One of our cutters has just come in with news that will take the fleet to sea, again, this morning; or, as soon as the tide begins to run a strong ebb.