Page:The ebb-tide - a trio and quartette (IA ebb00tidetrioquartstevrich).pdf/143

 His voice, in uttering these conventional phrases, fell at once into the false measure of society; and Herrick unconsciously followed the example.

'I am sure we shall be very glad,' he said. 'At half-past six? Thank you so very much.'

quoted Attwater, with a smile, which instantly gave way to an air of funereal solemnity. 'I shall particularly expect Mr. Whish,' he continued. 'Mr. Whish, I trust you understand the invitation?'

'I believe you, my boy!' replied the genial Huish.

'That is right then; and quite understood, is it not?' said Attwater. 'Mr. Whish and Captain Brown at six-thirty without fault—and you, Hay, at four sharp.'

And he called his boat.

During all this talk, a load of thought or anxiety had weighed upon the captain. There was no part for which nature had so liberally endowed him as that of the genial ship -captain. But to-day he was silent and abstracted. Those who knew him could see that he hearkened close to every syllable, and seemed