CHAPTER XXV.
THE ADMIRAL’S OPINION.—THE REQUEST OF CHARLES.
Charles then sought the admiral, whom he found with his hands behind him, pacing to and fro in one of the long walks of the garden, evidently in a very unsettled state of mind. When Charles appeared, he quickened his pace, and looked in such a state of unusual perplexity that it was quite ridiculous to observe him.
“I suppose, uncle, you have made up your mind thoroughly by this time?”
“Well, I don’t know that.”
“Why, you have had long enough surely to think over it. I have not troubled you soon.”
“Well, I cannot exactly say you have, but, somehow or another, I don’t think very fast, and I have an unfortunate propensity after a time of coming exactly round to where I began.”
“Then, to tell the truth, uncle, you can come to
