There had been the usual controversy about what Mr.
Carling would drink with his dinner, and he had decided upon Apollinaris water.

But Miss Blake, with an idea of her own, had given an order for champagne, and was exhibiting some consternation, real or assumed, at the fact of having a whole bottle brought in with the cork extracted--a customary trick at sea.
"I hope you will help me out," she said to John as he bowed and seated himself.

"'Some one has blundered,' and here is a whole bottle of champagne which must be drunk to save it.

Are you prepared to help turn my, or somebody's, blunder into hospitality ?" "I am prepared to make any sacrifice," said John, laughing, "in the sacred cause." "No less than I expected of you," she said.

"_Noblesse oblige!_ Please fill your glass." "Thanks," said John.