Later in the day, a van-load of furniture arrived, though "The Bower" was already furnished; but, as Miss Limpenny said, in all these matters of comfort and refinement, "there are degrees." On this occasion the Admiral, who had been prevailed upon to leave his bed, executed a manoeuvre the audacity of which should have commanded success.
He crossed the road, and opened a conversation with the driver.
But success does not always wait on the brave. The van-driver happened to have a temper as short as the Admiral's, and far less reverence.
"Good-morning," said the Admiral, cheerily.
"Mornin'."
"What's a-foot to-day?"
"Same as yesterday—twelve inches."
The Admiral was rather taken aback, but smiled, nevertheless, and persevered.
"Ha, ha! very good. You are a wit, I perceive."
But the driver's conversation teemed with the unexpected.