"By the way, she asked me why you had not been to Castello; but my head being very full of other things, I forgot to tell you; and then there was something else I was to say."
"Try and remember it, George," said she, coaxingly.
"What was it? Was it?--no--it couldn't have been about Lord Culduff carrying away the doctor to his own room, and having him there full half an hour in consultation before he saw Colonel Bramleigh."
"Yes. It was some redness, or some heat, or something or other that he remarked about his ears after eating. No, no; it was n't that. I remember all about it now. It was a row that Jack got into with his Admiral; he did n't report himself, or he reported to the wrong man, or he went on board when he ought n't; in fact, he did something irregular, and the Admiral used some very hard language, and Jack rejoined, and the upshot is he's to be brought before a court-martial; at least he fears so."
"Nelly says that there is yet time to apologize; that the Admiral will permit him to retract or recall what he said, and that his brother officers say he ought--some of them at least."
"And it was this you forgot to tell me?" said she, reproachfully.
"No. It was all in my head, but along with so many things; and then I was so badgered and bullied by the cross-examination they submitted me to; and so anxious and uneasy, that it escaped me till now."
"Oh, George, let us do a good-natured thing; let us go over and see Nelly; she'll have so many troubles on her heart, she 'll want a word of advice and kindness. Let us walk over there now."
"Yes; but they 're always late at Castello."
"And raining heavily besides;--listen to that!"
"What do we care for rain? did bad weather ever keep either of us at home when we wished to be abroad?"
"We can go to-morrow. I shall have to go to-morrow about this letter."
"But if we wait we shall lose a post. Come, George, get your coat and hat, and I 'll be ready in an instant."
"After all, it will seem so strange in us presenting ourselves at such an hour, and in such a trim. I don't know how we shall do it."
"Easily enough. I 'll go to Mrs. Eady the housekeeper's room, and you 'll say nothing about me, except to Nelly; and as for yourself, it will be only a very natural anxiety on your part to learn how the Colonel is doing. There, now, don't delay. Let us be off at once."