“I don’t mean to say it’s right; but a captain with a head like Hepburn’s, even though he had no legs, would be better than many a big lubber all legs and arms, without any head to bless himself with. And I know such on this very station; depending entirely on their first lieutenant.” “Still I would rather have my own way,” said the captain. “Obstinate fellow! Think of the pay; you have a wife and family, have you not?” “A wife, sir; but I will not take pay for work I can not perform!” “One of your absurd romances, Hepburn. I know you of old.” “Not very absurd, I think: simply honest. And if a captain is of any thing beyond nominal use, let the _Erratic_ have one for the voyage who can move himself without help, either mental or personal.” “Ah, well, I’m the gainer, you know; but what good will it do you at the admiralty? will they thank you for your self-denial? Not they; they don’t know what such fine feeling is. Boards are always half-grained, tough, and intractable.” “I am beyond caring for their praise or censure now, sir; my accounts must soon be rendered at a higher tribunal.” “Don’t be down-hearted, my dear fellow!” said the admiral, gulping down something which seemed to stick in his throat. “I hope to have you under my command again some day.” “I am so glad Duncan has been promoted,” observed Captain Hepburn. “Ay, there’s a piece of interest, depend on it. How does he manage to get on? Not but what he is as fine a young fellow as need be; but then _I_ know how things go. I would bet you any thing you please, Sir Charles, that there is a lady at the bottom of that. I _know_ he got his lieutenant’s commission because a little girl, having admired his handsome face, got a great man to speak for him to the First Lord. That’s the way the service goes on. Eh, Captain Hepburn!” “You are not quite correct in one matter, sir; the young lady had never seen Maurice Duncan; she did it out of love for his sister.” The admiral laughed. “His sister is my wife,” continued the captain. “Ay! indeed! I was not aware of that!” “He is a fine, intelligent, brave-hearted young man,” said Sir Charles, “a credit to the service any how. His regret for your accident, Hepburn, was touching the other night!” “Well, I suppose the young lady has been to work again,” observed the admiral; “for here’s his commission come out to-day.” “She has had no hand in it this time, sir, at all events,” replied the captain. “Eh! how do you know that?” “Poor thing! she is ill――married and ill――deranged, I believe, brain fever, or something of the sort――at all events, quite out of the question,” said Captain Hepburn, gravely. “Ah, indeed, poor thing! I did not know that! Well, you are quite determined to give up, and invalid, are you, Hepburn?”