After he had thought over the letter, he exclaimed, “Then again, now, if I was an officer I should have to go with the other officers wherever they went; and when the ship came into port, I should be for starting off for London, and couldn’t go and stay comfortably with my old friends. No, I’m thankful to Sir Henry—I am, indeed; but I’ve made up my mind.”
He rang the bell. When John appeared, he asked for his clothes.
“There they are, sir,” said John, pointing to the midshipman’s uniform.
“I see; but I want the clothes I wore yesterday, John,” said True Blue.
“Master said those were for you, sir,” explained John.
“I’m not going to put on those clothes, John,” said True Blue quietly. “They don’t suit me, and I don’t suit them.”
The footman was astonished.
“But they will make you an officer and a gentleman,” said he earnestly.
“That’s just what I don’t want to be, John,” answered True Blue. “They wouldn’t do it, either. It isn’t the clothes makes the man. You know that. Bring me back my own jacket and trousers. I know Sir Henry won’t be angry with you. I’ll set it all right. There’s a good chap, now—do as I ask you.”
John still hesitated.