Mr. Burton performed the ceremony of introduction with some awkwardness;
Mr. Stiles was affecting a stateliness of manner which was not without
distinction; and Mrs. Dutton, in a black silk dress and the cameo brooch
which had belonged to her mother, was no less important. Mr. Burton had
an odd feeling of inferiority.
[Illustration: "Mr. Stiles was affecting a stateliness of manner which
was not without distinction."]
"It's a very small place to ask you to, Admiral Peters," said the widow,
offering him a chair.
"It's comfortable, ma'am," said Mr. Stiles, looking round approvingly.
"Ah, you should see some of the palaces I've been in abroad; all show and
no comfort. Not a decent chair in the place. And, as for the
antimacassars----"
"Are you making a long stay, Admiral Peters?" inquired the delighted
widow.
"It depends," was the reply. "My intention was just to pay a flying
visit to my honest old friend Burton here--best man in my squadron--but
he is so hospitable, he's been pressing me to stay for a few weeks."
"But the admiral says he must get back to-morrow morning," interposed Mr.
Burton, firmly.
"Unless I have a letter at breakfast-time, Burton," said Mr.
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