Belson (in a hard, quarterdeck voice). Is that you, Simpson?
Simpson. Yes, sir.
Belson (coming into the room). Where is Mr. Maitland?
Simpson. Gone riding, sir.
Belson. When do you expect him back?
Simpson. To breakfast, sir. About half an hour.
Belson (looking Simpson up and down). You’re a bright beauty, aren’t you?
Simpson (moving his feet awkwardly). You don’t know what I’ve been through, sir. I did all a man——
Belson (sharply). Oh, yes, I know.... When you sent that letter to the Captain saying where we could find Mr. Maitland—and you, why didn’t you explain why he was hiding away?
Simpson. Well, sir, his business is no business of mine. I done all I could to get him back to the ship, sir, but he wouldn’t listen to me, sir. He said he’d stop and marry her if the Navy went to the bottom for it.