“That’s me.”
“From the admiral, sir.”
The corporal held out a letter and a folded newspaper. There was a maddening delay while a pencil was found for Hornblower to sign the receipt. Then the corporal took his leave with a clicking of heels and Hornblower stood with the letter in one hand and the newspaper in the other.
“Oh, open it—please open it,” said Maria.
Hornblower tore the wafer and unfolded the sheet. He read the note, and then reread it, nodding his head as if the note confirmed some preconceived theory.
“You see that sometimes it is profitable to play whist,” he said, “in more ways than one.”
He handed the note over to Bush; his smile was a little lopsided.
SIR [ 1] It is with pleasure that I take this opportunity of informing you in advance of any official notification that your promotion to Commander is now confirmed and that you will shortly be appointed to the Command of a Sloop of War.
“By God, sir!” said Bush. “Congratulations. For the second time, sir. It’s only what you deserve, as I said before.”
“Thank you,” said Hornblower. “Finish reading it.”