Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 1.djvu/295

 though his gaze did not turn me to stone, it. turned me sick. I was stupified, forgot my part, ran off, and left the manager and the music to make the best of it. My father, who could hardly believe his eyes, was convinced when he saw my confusion. [ran into the dressing-room, where, before I had time to divest myself of Apollo's crown and petticoat, I was accosted by my enraged parent, and it is quite impossible for me to describe (taking my costume into consideration) how very much like a fool I looked.

My father sternly demanded how long I had been thus honourably employed. This was a question which I had anticipated, and, therefore, very readily replied, "only two or three days;" that I had left Portsmouth for what we called "a lark," and I thought it very amusing.

Very amusing, indeed, Sir," said my father; "and pray, may I venture to inquire, without the fear of having a lie told me, how long this 'Lark,' as you call it, is to continue?"