“I shall be sure to return in time.”
I called at the Commissariat respecting the preserved vegetables, the samples of which were daily expected; next, upon Mr. Fitzgerald, the purveyor; and then went to the Abundance. On my way to the steamer, I met Mr. Bracebridge going to Colonel Dennis; and although I had already had the pleasure of saying good-bye to the colonel and his lady, I went back with him. The colonel, who had been seriously ill for several months, was to sail the next day for England, or Malta (I don’t exactly recollect which), and was saying how much he regretted being obliged to leave his regiment—that he feared the voyage would not do him much good, as the steamer he was going by was so full of sick. He had scarcely spoken the words, when in walked Admiral Boxer.
“Well, Dennis, my friend! I bring you good news.”
“What’s that, admiral?” said the colonel.
“Why, I have another vessel going to-morrow, with very few sick on board, and I have secured a good large cabin for yourself and lady.”
“Many, many thanks! my dear admiral,” said Colonel Dennis, in which his lady also joined.
“Ah! Monsieur Soyer, are you here? How are you to-day?”
“Quite well, admiral. I hope you are the same!”
“Will you take a glass of wine, admiral,” said Colonel Dennis, “and sit down, a minute?”