He broke off disdainfully until such time as Mr. Tipping should have conquered a somewhat refractory cough.
“In the secret service,” continued Flower, firmly, “has got enemies all round him.”
“You’ll have to get something else to do when we are married, Fred,” said Miss Tipping, tearfully.
“You’ve forgiven me, then?” said Flower, hoping that he had concealed a nervous start.
“I’d forgive you anything, Fred,” said Miss Tipping, tenderly; “you’ll have to give up this job at once.”
Captain Flower shook his head and smiled mournfully, thereby intimating that his services were of too valuable a nature for any Government to lightly dispense with.
“May I come round and see you to-morrow?” he enquired, putting his arm about the lady’s waist.
“Come round to-morrow?” repeated Miss Tipping, in surprise; “why, you don’t think I’m going to leave you here surrounded by dangers? You’re coming home with us now.”
“No, to-morrow,” said the unhappy mariner, in a winning voice.
“You don’t go out of my sight again,” said Miss Tipping, firmly. “Dick, you and Fred shake hands.”