"Uncle Philip says fudge," whispered Dick to Sam. "I'm glad of it," whispered Sam to Dick. Uncle Philip handed Robertine a chair, and she received this common-place civility with as much evident delight as if he had proffered her "the plain gold ring." "Sam," said the old gentleman, "run to the house as fast as you can, and bring an umbrella, and then see Miss Robertine home." "That I will, uncle," said Sam, with alacrity. Robertine then began to admire the drawings on the wall, and said--"Apparently, these are all ships that Captain Kentledge has taken in battle?" "No," replied Uncle Philip, "I never took any ship in battle; I always belonged to the merchant service." Robertine was now at fault; but soon recovering herself, she continued--"No doubt if you _had_ been in battle, you _would_ have taken ships; for victory always crowns the brave, and my opinion is, that all Americans are brave of course; particularly if they are gentlemen of the sea." "And have plenty of cash," Uncle Philip could not avoid saying. Robertine coloured to the eyes; and Uncle Philip checked himself, seeing that he had been too severe upon her. "I must not forget that she is a woman," thought he; "while she stays, I will try to be civil to her." But Robertine was too thoroughly resolved on carrying her point to be easily daunted; and, in half a minute, she said with a smile--"I see that Captain Kentledge will always have his jest. Wit is one of the attributes of his profession." Her admiration of the ships not having produced much effect, Robertine next betook herself to admiring the dog Neptune, who was lying at his master's feet, and she gracefully knelt beside him and patted his head, saying--"What a magnificent animal! The most splendid dog I ever saw! What a grand and imposing figure! How sensible and expressive is his face!" Dick found it difficult to suppress an involuntary giggle, for it struck him that Robertine must have heard the remark which was very current through the village, of Neptune's face having a great resemblance to Uncle Philip's own.