“It seems a sin to encourage them,” said Tubb.
“It does go against my conscience,” agreed Mrs. Saltren.
“Then,” argued the captain, “I wouldn’t encourage them. Twopence and threepence in the pound is too much.”
“I’ve a mind to return to the country,” said Mrs. Saltren; “I don’t want to encourage such wickedness.”
“And then, ma’am, you can eat the trout fresh.”
“Ah, captain! but the capital for pumping?”
Then Captain Tubb cautiously slid one arm round Mrs. Saltren’s waist, and said—
“Come, Marianne, with your capital, away from the mutton of town to the trout of the country.”
“I should like ’em fresh,” said the widow. “We’ll pump together for them.”