“You might be less disposed to pleasantry, sir, were this a thirty-six, or were you and I on shore.”

Sennit gave me a disdainful look, and terminated the affair by ordering Voorhees to get his chest ready, and to join the two other men he had pressed.  Taking example, however, from the Swede and the Prussian, Voorhees walked away, using no measures to obey.  As for myself, thoroughly disgusted with this man, a vulgar rogue, I walked aft to the other lieutenant, who was only a gentleman-like dunce.

Mr. Powlett now began to converse of London; and he told me how often he had been at the opera when last in town,—­and remarked what an exceedingly delightful fete champetre was lady somebody’s entertainment of that sort.  This occupied us until the boat returned, with a very civil request from the captain of the Speedy, that I would do him the favour to pay him a visit, bringing with me the ship’s papers.  As this was what no belligerent had a right to demand, though privateersmen constantly did it, I could comply or not.  Fancying it might expedite matters, regarding the civility of the request as a good omen, and feeling a desire to deal with principals, in an affair that was very needlessly getting to be serious, I consented to go.  Marble was called, and formally told to take charge of the ship.  I could see a smile of contempt on Sennit’s face, at this little ceremony, though he made no objection in terms.  I had expected that the first-lieutenant would go to the frigate with me, but, after a short consultation with his junior, the last was deputed to do me this honour.

Sennit now appeared disposed to show me every slight and indignity it was in his power to manifest.  Like all vulgar-minded men, he could not refrain from maltreating those whom he designed to injure.  He made me precede him into the boat, and went up the Speedy’s side first, himself, on reaching that vessel.  His captain’s conduct was very different.  Lord Harry was not a very noble looking personage, as your worshippers of rank imagine nobility to appear, but he was decidedly well-mannered; and it was easy enough to see he commanded his own ship, and was admirably fitted so to do.  I have had occasion to learn that there is a vast deal of aristocratic and democratic cant, on the subject of the appearance, abilities, qualities and conduct of Europeans of birth and station.  In the first place, nature has made them very much as she makes other people; and the only physical difference there is proceeds from habit and education.  Then, as to the enervating effects of aristocracy, and noble effeminacy, I have seen ten times as much of it among your counter-jumpers and dealers in bob binet, as I have seen in the sons of dukes and princes; and, in my later days, circumstances have brought me much in contact with many of these last.  Manliness of character is far more likely to be the concomitant of aristocratic birth, than of democratic, I am afraid; for, while those who enjoy