“He would be a very lucky man, Shepherd,” replied Sir Walter; “that’s all I have to remark.  A prize indeed would Kellynch Hall be to him; rather the greatest prize of all, let him have taken ever so many before; hey, Shepherd?”

Mr Shepherd laughed, as he knew he must, at this wit, and then added—­

“I presume to observe, Sir Walter, that, in the way of business, gentlemen of the navy are well to deal with.  I have had a little knowledge of their methods of doing business; and I am free to confess that they have very liberal notions, and are as likely to make desirable tenants as any set of people one should meet with.  Therefore, Sir Walter, what I would take leave to suggest is, that if in consequence of any rumours getting abroad of your intention; which must be contemplated as a possible thing, because we know how difficult it is to keep the actions and designs of one part of the world from the notice and curiosity of the other; consequence has its tax; I, John Shepherd, might conceal any family-matters that I chose, for nobody would think it worth their while to observe me; but Sir Walter Elliot has eyes upon him which it may be very difficult to elude; and therefore, thus much I venture upon, that it will not greatly surprise me if, with all our caution, some rumour of the truth should get abroad; in the supposition of which, as I was going to observe, since applications will unquestionably follow, I should think any from our wealthy naval commanders particularly worth attending to; and beg leave to add, that two hours will bring me over at any time, to save you the trouble of replying.”

Sir Walter only nodded.  But soon afterwards, rising and pacing the room, he observed sarcastically—­

“There are few among the gentlemen of the navy, I imagine, who would not be surprised to find themselves in a house of this description.”

“They would look around them, no doubt, and bless their good fortune,” said Mrs Clay, for Mrs Clay was present:  her father had driven her over, nothing being of so much use to Mrs Clay’s health as a drive to Kellynch:  “but I quite agree with my father in thinking a sailor might be a very desirable tenant.  I have known a good deal of the profession; and besides their liberality, they are so neat and careful in all their ways!  These valuable pictures of yours, Sir Walter, if you chose to leave them, would be perfectly safe.  Everything in and about the house would be taken such excellent care of!  The gardens and shrubberies would be kept in almost as high order as they are now.  You need not be afraid, Miss Elliot, of your own sweet flower gardens being neglected.”