'You have seen Sir George recently, then?' said Lady Beresford.
'At Portsmouth last week. They were all down from the Admiralty.'
'What a dear old gentleman he is!' she said.
'He is the finest sailor and the best-hearted gentleman in her Majesty's service—and that's not saying a small thing,' was the answer, prompt and straight.
'You are a great pet of his,' said Miss Beresford, 'are you not?'
'He has been a very good friend to me. But you needn't imagine it is because of that I respect him—that I more than respect him—I love him.'
There was a touch of earnestness in his voice and in the simplicity of the phrase, that made Miss Beresford regard him for a second with almost wondering eyes. She had never seen, for her part, anything about Sir George Stratherne to be enthusiastic about.
However, she had to continue the conversation unaided, for her mother was too languid. Beauty had got into an effective position, and was content to be silent, while the Baby was useless. So she said with a smile,
'I hope Sir George won't have to find fault with you for bringing your ship into these shallow waters. Tom—my brother Tom, you know—is very anxious about it. I think he would like to give you his advice.'
'I should be glad to have it,' said Lieutenant King, with befitting gravity, 'but I do not think we are in any great danger. And how is your brother?'