“I am desired to show you this card, sir,” said the mate, handing one to Sickleton, who passed it to Cashel.
“Lord Kilgoff—indeed!” said he, surprised, and at once hastened to the deck.
“Mr. Cashel himself here!” exclaimed my Lady, from the stern of a small boat alongside; and after an exchange of friendly recognition, the party ascended the gangway. “This was a pleasure we scarcely looked for, to meet you here,” said his Lordship, blandly. “We had just taken our drive down to the harbor, when accidentally hearing your yacht had arrived, Lady Kilgoff grew desirous to see it.”
“A yacht in harbor is a horse in stable,” said Cashel. “Will you permit me to give you a cruise?”
“I should like nothing in the world so well.”
“It is late—almost six o'clock,” said Lord Kilgoff, looking at his watch.
“And if it be,” said my Lady, coaxingly, “you know Dr. Grover recommended you the sea air and sea excursions. I declare you look better already, don't you think so, Mr. Cashel?” “I protest I do,” said Cashel, thus appealed to; “and if you will only pardon the deficiencies of a floating cuisine, and dine here—”
“How delightful!” broke in my Lady, not suffering even time for an apology.
“It appeared to me there was a haunch of venison hanging over the stern when we came on board?” said my Lord, with his glass to his eye.
“Yes, my Lord,” said Sickleton, touching his hat in salutation; “I've had it there for two hours every day since Tuesday week.”