General Sampson’s voice addressing Mrs Appleton in loud tones aroused them.
“I tell you, my dear madam, I shall win my bet notwithstanding,” he exclaimed. “My friend, the captain, is not a man who is likely to strike his flag as long as he has a stick standing; he will renew the fight as soon as he has repaired damages.”
“I tell you, general, I have known Sir Ralph longer than you have—a more determined, or rather obstinate gentleman does not exist, and unless this captain is a man of family, and that he is not, or I am very sure we should have heard about it, our friend will never give his sanction.”
“Then, by Jove, the young people will run off and do without it, ah! ah! ah!” roared the general.
“Fie, fie, General Sampson, you would not approve of such a proceeding, I hope.”
“I am not sure of that, Mrs Appleton,” was the answer; and just then the couple came in sight of Headland and Julia, and must have been aware that their remarks had been overheard.
The young people were still more annoyed at being discovered. They both rose, and at the same moment the gong sounded from the house to summon the guests to dress for dinner.
“Pleasant sound that, captain, for those who have appetites,” observed the general. “We must all obey it whether or not, and move homewards.” Though Julia and Headland would willingly have lingered longer, they were compelled to follow the old general and Mrs Appleton to the house. How quickly that evening went by. Sir Ralph was as courteous as usual, and though formal in the extreme in his manner to Captain Headland, no one would have suspected what had occurred in the morning. Julia did her best to maintain her composure. Though Sir Ralph begged to have music, her mother interfered and saved her from the trial.
Next day arrived at length. Captain Headland was really gone. Julia felt bewildered and desolate; it seemed as if she had received some heavy blow from which it was impossible to recover. Sir Ralph spoke to her in a more kind way than usual, and tried to joke with her, while he amused his guests with the numerous anecdotes which he knew well how to tell.
The doctor, who came early, allowed Harry to take a ride. “It must be short though, and you must not gallop at headlong speed, as you naval officers are apt to do.”