I couldn't refuse to
'ave a drink with 'im. I was under orders, so to speak."
"No, I suppose not," said Mrs. Dutton, softening. "Fancy him staying
with you!"
"He just run down for the night, but I expect he'll be going 'ome in an
hour or two," said Mr. Burton, who saw an excellent reason now for
hastening his guest's departure.
Mrs. Dutton's face fell. "Dear me," she murmured, "I should have liked
to have seen him; you have told me so much about him. If he doesn't go
quite so soon, and you would like to bring him here when you come
to-night, I'm sure I should be very pleased."
"I'll mention it to 'im," said Mr. Burton, marvelling at the change in
her manner.
"Didn't you say once that he was uncle to Lord Buckfast?" inquired Mrs.
Dutton, casually.
"Yes," said Mr. Burton, with unnecessary doggedness; "I did."
"The idea of an admiral staying with you!" said Mrs. Dutton.
"Reg'lar old sea-dog," said Mr. Burton again; "and, besides, he don't
want it known. It's a secret between us three, Mrs. Dutton."
"To be sure," said the widow. "You can tell the admiral that I shall not
mention it to a soul," she added, mincingly.
Mr. Burton thanked her and withdrew, lest Mr.
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