"Still, I can add that if Charley ever comes back to the old country I--and my mother and sisters--would be glad to welcome him." "That I think should be sufficient," said Mrs.Forel, who was acquainted with Commander Thorne's status in the old country.
It was a little later when Alton glanced towards Thorne, who was talking to Alice Deringham.

"I could get on with that man," he said.
"You knew him, Charley ?" "Oh, yes," said Seaforth with a curious expression.

"He is a very good fellow, and has distinguished himself several times.

Somebody left him a good deal of money lately." Alton seemed to sigh.

"Well," he said slowly, "he is to be envied.
They wouldn't have much use for him in your navy if he was a cripple." The party was breaking up before Alton had speech with Alice Deringham again, and as it happened the girl had just left Commander Thorne.
Alton spoke with an effort as one going through a task.