‘I’ve thought as much myself,’ observed John, with a dryness which was almost bitter. ‘But it depends on how thou’st behave in future.’
‘John,’ said Bob, taking his brother’s hand, ‘I’ll be a new man. I solemnly swear by that eternal milestone staring at me there that I’ll never look at another woman with the thought of marrying her whilst that darling is free—no, not if she be a mermaiden of light! It’s a lucky thing that I’m slipped in on the quarterdeck! it may help me with her—hey?’
‘It may with her mother; I don’t think it will make much difference with Anne. Still, it is a good thing; and I hope that some day you’ll command a big ship.’
Bob shook his head. ‘Officers are scarce; but I’m afraid my luck won’t carry me so far as that.’
‘Did she ever tell you that she mentioned your name to the King?’
The seaman stood still again. ‘Never!’ he said. ‘How did such a thing as that happen, in Heaven’s name?’
John described in detail, and they walked on, lost in conjecture.
As soon as they entered the house the returned officer of the navy was welcomed with acclamation by his father and David, with mild approval by Mrs. Loveday, and by Anne not at all—that discreet maiden having carefully retired to her own room some time earlier in the evening. Bob did not dare to ask for her in any positive manner; he just inquired about her health, and that was all.
‘Why, what’s the matter with thy face, my son?’ said the miller, staring. ‘David, show a light here.’ And a candle was thrust against Bob’s cheek, where there appeared a jagged streak like the geological remains of a lobster.
‘O—that’s where that rascally Frenchman’s grenade busted and hit me from the Redoubtable, you know, as I told ’ee in my letter.’