Chapter 19 Summary

Weeks later, Bush calls at Hornblower's housing. He is greeted by Mrs. Mason, a dour and penurious woman, who directs him to Hornblower's room after an initial appraisal. Hornblower admits that his funds are entirely exhausted and that his financial situation is perilous. Even so, he remains optimistic that his luck will change. While he entertains Bush, a young girl named Maria enters the room, brings a second cot, tidies up, and insists upon taking Hornblower's coat downstairs to brush it. Hornblower obviously finds her appealing and she has a fairly obvious crush on Hornblower. Bush finds their intimacy confusing and somewhat distasteful. They discuss Napoleon Bonaparte's recent claim to be emperor and feel that war must shortly be rejoined. Bush and Hornblower then proceed to dinner where they overhear constant buzz about the probability of war. Hornblower confides in Bush that his...