One might as well be nothing as a midshipman.

One _is_ nothing, indeed.

You remember the Gregorys; they are grown up amazing fine girls, but they will hardly speak to _me_, because Lucy is courted by a lieutenant." "Oh! shame, shame! But never mind it, William" (her own cheeks in a glow of indignation as she spoke).

"It is not worth minding.

It is no reflection on _you_; it is no more than what the greatest admirals have all experienced, more or less, in their time.