"I am not in the way?"
"Not at all," answered the secretary. "I was just leaving." And with good foresight he passed out.
"A thing of beauty is a joy for ever," murmured the admiral.
"Fudge!" and she laughed.
"We are having a fine voyage."
"Splendid! Why is it that I am always happy?"
"It is because you do not depend upon others for it, my dear. I am happy, too. I am as happy as a boy with his first boat. But never has a ship gone slower than this one of mine. I am simply crazy to drop anchor in the Gulf of Ajaccio. I find it on the tip of my tongue, every night at dinner, to tell the others where we are bound."
"Why not? Where's the harm now?"
"I don't know, but something keeps it back. Laura," looking into her eyes, "did we ever cruise with brighter men on board?"
"What is it you wish to know, father?" merrily. "You dear old sailor, don't you understand that these men are different? They are men who accomplish things; they haven't time to bother about young women."