"Leave that to me, my lady."
The captain now thought that the time for dining had come, and invited the ladies into a charming little room.
"Captain, you are a magician," exclaimed the young girl, laughing. "Such a beautiful dining-room, and flowers too," she added, as she perceived a huge bank of flowers.
"Oh, what lovely flowers," she exclaimed delightedly.
"Mrs. Wharton is the magician, my lady," replied the captain; "and now please be seated."
"Directly," replied Clary laughing; "but first permit me to beg your wife and yourself to join us."
Two more covers were placed on the table.
The breakfast was a substantial English meal, and consisted of tea, coffee, eggs and ham. They were all tasty dishes. The conversation was very lively until Mrs. Wharton arose and begged to be excused as she had other duties to perform.
"Ah, my Minnie is a pearl," murmured Wharton, looking tenderly back at her.
"You seem to be much attached to each other," said Clary, cordially.