Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 2.djvu/97

 Flattered by this little shot of Maria's, the captain said that nothing ever gave him more pleasure than to oblige the ladies; and if the favour they intended to ask was not utterly incompatible with his duty, that he would grant it.

"Well, then," said Maria, " will your honour give me back Pat Flannagan, that you have pressed just now?"

The captain shook his head.

"He's no sailor, your honour; but a poor bog-trotter; and he will never do you any good."

The captain again shook his head.

"Ask me any thing else," said he, "and I will give it you."

"Well, then," said Maria, "give us Felim O'Shaugnessy?"

The captain was equally inflexible.

"Come, come, your honour," said Judy, "we must not stand upon trifles now-a-days.