'It must be from a lady,' said she.
'Why, who'd have a valentine from any but a lady ?' exclaimed the captain.
The squire winked at me to watch his guest.

Captain Bulsted fed heartily; he was thoroughly a sailor-gentleman, between the old school and the new, and, as I perceived, as far gone in love with my aunt as his brother was.

Presently Sewis entered carrying a foaming tankard of old ale, and he and the captain exchanged a word or two upon Jamaica.
'Now, when you've finished that washy tea of yours, take a draught of our October, brewed here long before you were a lieutenant, captain,' said the squire.
'Thank you, sir,' the captain replied; 'I know that ale; a moment, and I will gladly.

I wish to preserve my faculties; I don't wish to have it supposed that I speak under fermenting influences.

Sewis, hold by, if you please.' My aunt made an effort to retire.
'No, no, fair play; stay,' said the squire, trying to frown, but twinkling; my aunt tried to smile, and sat as if on springs.
'Miss Beltham,' the captain bowed to her, and to each one as he spoke, 'Squire Beltham, Mr.Harry Richmond; Mr.Temple; my ship was paid off yesterday, and till a captain's ship is paid off, he 's not his own master, you are aware.