"Amanda," Skipper James admonished his wife, in a grieved whisper, "the Doctor is wantin' another cup o' tea."
The good woman was astonished.
"He've had——" she began.
Then she blushed—and grasped the pot in a fluster—and——
"Thank you—no more," the Doctor protested.
"Ah, now, sir——"
"No more. Really, you know! I've quite finished. I—well—I—if you please, Mrs. Cull. Half a cup. No more. Thank you."
"An' Billy Topsail, too," said Skipper James.
Billy was abashed.
"No—really!" he began. "I—well—thank you—half a cup!"