The Adventures Harry Richmond — Volume 2 by George Meredith
page 41 of 102 (40%)
page 41 of 102 (40%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
'So you've got a valentine,' the captain addressed me. 'I went on shore at Rio last year on this very day of the month, just as lively as you youngsters for one. Saltwater keeps a man's youth in pickle. No valentine for me! Paid off my ship yesterday at Spithead, and here I am again on Valentine's Day.' Temple and I stared hard at a big man with a bronzed skin and a rubicund laugh who expected to receive valentines. My aunt thrust the letter back to me secretly. 'It must be from a lady,' said she. 'Why, who'd have a valentine from any but a lady?' exclaimed the captain. The squire winked at me to watch his guest. Captain Bulsted fed heartily; he was thoroughly a sailor-gentleman, between the old school and the new, and, as I perceived, as far gone in love with my aunt as his brother was. Presently Sewis entered carrying a foaming tankard of old ale, and he and the captain exchanged a word or two upon Jamaica. 'Now, when you've finished that washy tea of yours, take a draught of our October, brewed here long before you were a lieutenant, captain,' said the squire. 'Thank you, sir,' the captain replied; 'I know that ale; a moment, and I will gladly. I wish to preserve my faculties; I don't wish to have it supposed that I speak under fermenting influences. Sewis, hold by, if you please.' |
|