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Hornblower said the words, the right words, and in his tenderness he used the right tone. Maria kissed him once more, and then tore herself free and flung herself on to the far side of the bed face downward. Hornblower lay still, trying to harden his heart to rise, and Maria spoke again; her voice was half muffled by the pillow, but her forced change of mood was apparent even so.

Your clean shirt's on the chair, dear, and your second best shoes are beside the fireplace.'

Hornblower swung himself out of bed and out through the curtains. The air of the bedroom was certainly fresher than that inside. The door latch clanked again and he had just time to whip his be-gown in front of him as the old chambermaid put her head in. She let out a high cackle of mirth at Hornblower's modesty.

'The ostler says 'light airs from the s'uth'ard sir.'

'Thank you.'

The door closed behind her.

'Is that what you want, darling?' asked Maria, still behind the curtains. 'Light airs from the s'uth'ard--that means south, does it not?'