Horatio Howard Brenton; A Naval Novel Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856 edition. Excerpt: ..."You are now, sir," said Captain Lofty, on the perusal of that document, "the junior lieutenant of H.M.S. Diana May your future course be as creditable as your probationary has been." "You, my lieutenant " exclaimed Captain Noble, with affected surprise. "Well, sir, I hope you will now put off the boy." ' "Not until you do, I hope " exclaimed Captain Lofty. The ladies retired. Fitzjames pressed one side, Haskins the other, and each read the commission. "I knew it throughout," said Haskins. "I knew it must be, and my good fellow (sir, I mean, bowing), no one feels more pride in the verification of my great wisdom than your humble servant--but, I fear, never to be your own lieutenant." Poor fellow, his countenance fell and he coughed, as the doctor said, very unsatisfactorily. The next morning, I was awoke by Louisa kissing the new lieutenant. "Are you not ashamed, you puss? An officer of my age and importance Get out of my room, I am going to dress " She retreated to the door. "Sure, sir, you can't be angry? that bit of parchment does not cover your heart, sir.' It does not make you forget us. does it, sir?" " Oh, no Louisa, but circumspection. Before witnesses I care not." " But father is here," and the old man rushed in and pressed my hand, covering it with tears. " Oh sir, one favour--the last we shall ever ask." " Well, proceed." "Let us see the Diana, with all the men and officers assembled, before you sail. The gig's crew have told us such tales--such nonsense about decks cleaner than my tables /--fit for a prince to dine ofl'. No, no, Mr. Horatio--we must...