"But, father dear," exclaimed the elder daughter, "you could have done
every single thing that Lord Nelson has ever contrived to do, if you
had only happened to be there, and equally eager for destruction. I
have heard you say many times, though not of course before him, that you
could have managed the battle of the Nile considerably better than he
did. And instead of allowing the great vessel to blow up, you would have
brought her safe to Spithead."

"My dear, you must have quite misunderstood me. Be sure that you never
express such opinions, which are entirely your own, in the presence
of naval officers. Though I will not say that they are quite without
foundation."

"Why, papa," cried Miss Dolly, who was very truthful, when her own
interests were not involved, "you have often said twice as much as that.
How well I remember having heard you say--"

"You young people always back up one another, and you don't care what
you make your poor father say. I wonder you don't vow that I declared
I could jump over the moon with my uniform on. But I'll tell you what
we'll do, to bring back your senses--we will go for a long ride this
fine afternoon. I've a great mind to go as far as Stonnington."

"Now how many times have you told us that? I won't believe it till we
get there," young Dolly answered, with her bright eyes full of joy. "You
must be ashamed of yourself, papa, for neglecting your old friend's son
so long."

"Well, to tell you the truth, I am, my dear," confessed the good-natured