“And then under what commander do you serve?”
“Captain Fortune, I suspect,” said he, gravely. “A gentleman, or lady, perhaps, that has shown me no especial fondness up to this.”
“Jack says he is going to leave us,” said Nelly, as her eyes filled up.
“But why?” cried George.
“But why?” echoed Julia.
“Haven't I given proof enough,” said Jack, with a faint laugh, “that I'm not what Miss Julia there calls a very logical animal; that when I get a wayward fancy in my head I follow it faithfully as if it was a strong conviction. Well, now, one of these moments has come to me; and thinking, besides, that this pleasant sort of life here is not exactly the best preparation for a rougher kind of existence, I have made up my mind to slip my cable after I 've seen Gusty.”
“Well, then, let us profit by the short time left us,” said Julia, quietly. “Come and help me in the house. I shall want you, too, George.”
“You must do without me, Julia. I have only just discovered a letter in my pocket, with the seal unbroken, that I ought to have answered at least a fortnight ago. It is from Sir Marcus Cluff,” said he, in a whisper, “making me an offer of the vicarage at Hoxton.”
“What a kind fellow!”
“Who's a kind fellow?” asked Jack.