Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 3.djvu/85

 the admiral and family walked out, and then he brought up the rear with the governess. No, Frank, I 'shall not surrender at discretion, with all my charms, to any thing less than a captain, with a pair of gold epaulettes."

"Very well," replied I, looking into the pier glass, with tolerable self-complacency; "if you choose to pin your happiness on the promises of a first lord of the Admiralty, and a pair of epaulettes, I can say no more. There is no accounting for female taste; some ladies prefer gold Jace and wrinkles, to youth and beauty— I am sorry for them, that's all." "Frank," said Emily, "you must acknowledge that you are vain enough to bean admiral at least."

"The admirals are much obliged to you for the compliment," said I. "I trust I should not disgrace the flag, come when it will; but to tell you the truth, my dear Emily, I cannot say I look forward to that elevation, with any degree of satisfaction. Three stars on each shoulder,