I am a special writer for the magazines, and have been at odd times a war correspondent." And then he went on to describe the little comedy of the statuettes, and it was not without some charm in the telling.
Plainly the admiral was nonplussed.

That girl; that minx, with her innocent eyes and placid face! He got up, and Fitzgerald awaited the explosion.

His expectancy missed fire.

The admiral exploded, but with laughter.
"I beg pardon, Mr.Fitzgerald, and I beg it again on my daughter's behalf.

What would you do in my place ?" "Show me the door at once and have done with it." "I'm hanged if I do! You shall have a toddy for your pains, and, by cracky, Laura shall mix it." He pushed the butler's bell.