'Oh, Lieutenant King, do you know a ship called the Fly-by-Night?' she said, quite casually, and in an off-hand way.
'Yes,' he said, regarding her with some surprise. 'She's what they call a school-brig—a training brig. I think she's at Plymouth.'
'A training-brig?' said Nan, innocently. 'Then they want a clever officer, I suppose, to be in command of a training-brig.'
'Yes, they want a smart fellow,' said he, without any great interest; and he was about to turn to Lady Beresford again when Nan continued—
'Would it—would it surprise you if you heard you were to be transferred to the Fly-by-Night?'
'I shouldn't like to hear of it,' said he, laughing; 'I am satisfied where I am.'
'But I mean to command her.'
'I'm afraid that's a long way off yet,' said he, lightly.
'Oh no, it isn't,' said Nan timorously. 'I am sure it is no great secret—you will know to-morrow—you are to be appointed to-morrow to the command of the Fly-by-Night!
His face flushed a deep red.