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"Do you think we are going to cast the dice again, and give an officer of the Sea-mew a chance of replacing an officer of the Wanderer? There is a vacancy in our party, not in yours; and we claim the right of filling it as we please. I volunteer, and my captain backs me. Whose authority is to keep me here after that?" "Gently, Wardour," said Captain Helding.
"It might be indiscreet, on the part of a stranger," said Mrs. Crayford. "An old friend like you may make any inquiries. I wish I could tell you what is the matter with Clara. It is a mystery to the doctors themselves. Some of the mischief is due, in my humble opinion, to the manner in which she has been brought up." "Ay! ay! A bad school, I suppose." "Very bad, Captain Helding.
Under six, 'Stay. Over six, 'Go." Captain Helding cast the dice; the top of the cask serving for a table. He threw seven. "Go," said Crayford. "I congratulate you, sir. Now for my own chance." He cast the dice in his turn. Three! "Stay! Ah, well! well! if I can do my duty, and be of use to others, what does it matter whether I go or stay?
The reflection had barely occurred to him Frank's thoughtless invitation to Wardour had just passed his lips when the canvas screen over the doorway was drawn aside. Captain Helding and the officers who were to leave with the exploring party returned to the main room on their way out. Seeing Crayford, Captain Helding stopped to speak to him.
Is she in delicate health? Mrs. Crayford shakes her head; sighs mysteriously; and answers, "In very delicate health, Captain Helding." "Consumptive?" "Not in the least." "I am glad to hear that. She is a charming creature, Mrs. Crayford. She interests me indescribably. Is it indiscreet, my dear lady, to inquire what is the matter with her?"
Captain Helding, standing in the midst of them, with Crayford by his side, proceeded to explain the purpose of the contemplated expedition to the audience which surrounded him.
"Volunteers will not be accepted, in this case," said Crayford. "Captain Helding and Captain Ebsworth see serious objections, as we are situated, to that method of proceeding." "Do they mean to keep the appointments in their own hands?" asked Frank. "I for one object to that." "Wait a little," said Crayford. "You were playing backgammon the other day with one of the officers.
Excusing himself in those bluntly complimentary terms, Captain Helding drew the lieutenant aside a few steps, accidentally taking a direction that led the two officers close to the place at which Clara was standing. Both the captain and the lieutenant were too completely absorbed in their professional business to notice her.
Crayford failed to show his customary respect for his superior officer. He openly disputed the captain's conclusion. "Wardour has no right to volunteer," he rejoined. "It has been settled, Captain Helding, that chance shall decide who is to go and who is to stay." "And chance has decided it," cried Wardour.
Everybody waited to see her set the mistake right. She made no attempt to set it right she turned deadly pale and caught her partner by the arm. "The heat!" she said, faintly. "Take me away take me into the air!" Lieutenant Crayford instantly led her out of the dance, and took her into the cool and empty conservatory, at the end of the room. As a matter of course, Captain Helding and Mrs.
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