'Dear d**k,' he said, taking his arm, 'this is neighbourly of you; it shows your tact to meet me when I had a wish for you. I am in pleasant spirits; and it is then that I desire a friend.'
'I am glad to hear you are so happy,' retorted d**k bitterly. 'There's certainly not much to trouble YOU.'
'No,' assented the Admiral, 'not much. I got out of it in time; and here - well, here everything pleases me. I am plain in my tastes. 'A PROPOS, you have never asked me how I liked my daughter?'
'No,' said d**k roundly; 'I certainly have not.'
'Meaning you will not. And why, d**k? She is my daughter, of course; but then I am a man of the world and a man of taste, and perfectly qualified to give an opinion with impartiality - yes, d**k, with impartiality. Frankly, I am not disappointed in her. S
