"What a handsome man that young privateer is!"
Bob leaned over the lady's shoulder and whispered:
"But you should see his wife; she's a stunner—A1 anywhere; she is a beauty!"
A young lady, who had not long made her début, and had been looking at Tempest with eyes which were full of love, now blushed slightly and in a low whisper said:
"What a pity he is married; he is so very handsome."
Bob might have heard what was said, but he took no notice except to remark to Mrs. Madison that the lieutenant captured his bride at the same time he did the vessel.
Seeing that the two boys were drinking rather freely, and getting far more talkative, their officers ordered them from the room, much to Bob's annoyance. Jack Creamer took it good-naturedly, and when he and Bob found such good things in store for them in the kitchen, they began to feel more thoroughly at home.
During the evening Dolly managed to ask Tempest about his wife.
"You have heard?" he asked in surprise.