“It’s not improbable,” replied Crispin, reddening a trifle; “but, after all, I am in good company, for Maurice is doubtless thinking of Helena.”
Maurice, smiling, did not deny this remarkably accurate guess, and his uncle, smoothing his silver beard, laughed silently.
“I’m afraid Dick and myself are the only persons who are thinking of war.”
“I’m certain of it as far as you are concerned, but I will not answer for Dick there.”
“Dick, Dick!” said Justinian, shaking his head gravely; “what is this I hear?”
“About Zoe, sir,” answered the bos’n innocently.
“Oh, it is my daughter’s maid!”
“Well, you see, sir,” said Dick bashfully, “it was like this, sir. Zoe, you see, gentlemen, likes me, and I like Zoe; so, with your permission, Mr. Justinian, we were thinking of marriage.”
“My permission!” echoed the Demarch, with a lurking smile; “as far as that goes, it doesn’t seem to be needed. This is surely pairing time, for you three young men seem to be all choosing mates. Eunice, Helena, Zoe! Maurice, when your old tutor arrives, we must have a triple marriage.”
“We’ve got to drive away Alcibiades first, uncle.”