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'Sir William, ladies and gentlemen, I can only thank you in the name of'--Hornblower reached down and took Maria's hand--'my wife and myself.'

As the laughter died away--Hornblower had well known that the company would laugh at his mention of Maria as his wife, although he himself did not think it a subject for laughter--Cornwallis looked at his watch, and Hornblower hastened to thank him for his presence and to escort him to the door. Beyond the threshold Cornwallis turned and thumped him on the chest with his large hand.

'I'll add another line to my orders for you,' he said; Hornblower was acutely aware that Cornwallis's friendly smile was accompanied by a searching glance.

'Yes, sir?'

'I'll add my written permission for you to sleep out of your ship for tonight and tomorrow night.'

Hornblower opened his mouth to reply, but no words came; for once in his life his readiness of wit had deserted him. His mind was so busy re-assessing the situation that it had nothing to spare for his organ of speech.