Lieutenants waited all their lives for the fortunate combination of circumstances that might bring them promotion, and most of them waited in vain. It was more than likely now Hornblower would wait in vain for the rest of his life.
“Have you applied for an appointment as lieutenant?” asked Bush.
“Yes. And I suppose you have?” replied Hornblower.
“Yes.”
There was no need to say more than that on that subject. The peacetime navy employed onetenth of the lieutenants who were employed in wartime; to receive an appointment one had to be of vast seniority or else have powerful friends.
“I spent a month in London,” said Hornblower. “There was always a crowd round the Admiralty and the Navy Office.”
“I expect so,” said Bush.
The wind came shrieking round the corner.
“God, but it’s cold!” said Bush.
His mind toyed with the thought of various ways to continue the conversation in shelter. If they went to the Keppel’s Head now it would mean paying for two pints of beer, and Hornblower would have to pay for the same.