"Put aside your books, old man," he said. "You look fagged and
overworked; a month's blow will do you all the good in the world."
"Thank you, Tom; I have made up my mind for a month's holiday, but
I can't accept your invitation, though I should enjoy it of all
things. But it would not be fair to my wife; she doesn't get very
much of my society, and she has been looking forward to our having
a run together. So I must decline."
Virtue hesitated a moment. He was not very fond of ladies' society,
and thought them especially in the way on board a yacht; but he
had a great liking for his friend's wife, and was almost as much
at home in his house as in his own chambers.
"Why not bring the wife with you?" he said, as soon as his mind
was made up. "It will be a nice change for her too; and I have
heard her say that she is a good sailor. The accommodation is not
extensive, but the after cabin is a pretty good size, and I would
do all I could to make her comfortable. Perhaps she would like
another lady with her; if so by all means bring one. They could
have the after cabin, you could have the little stateroom, and I
could sleep in the saloon."
"It is very good of you, Tom, especially as I know that it will put
you out frightfully; but the offer is a very tempting one.
Pages:
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182