Fawcett, I hurried to the hospital, and found, to my regret, that he was
not quite so well, having exhibited some symptoms of a relapse, and the
doctor therefore seemed at first somewhat disinclined to let me see him.
But upon explaining to him that I had a little bit of very good news to
communicate, he said:

"That, of course, makes a great difference. Yes, you may see him, for
five minutes, which I suppose will be long enough to communicate your
good news, and then come away again. You know your way up. Look in
here on your return, and let me know the result of your interview."

I went up, and found the poor fellow looking very haggard and ill, but
he brightened up somewhat upon my entrance; perhaps he read good news in
my jubilant expression.

"Well, what is it, Grenvile?" he said. "You look as though you have
something good to tell me."

"I have," said I, pretending not to notice his altered looks. "I have,
although perhaps I am not acting quite fairly by the commodore in
forestalling him. He is coming to see you, sir, and, although he did
not absolutely state as much in so many words, I have not the slightest
doubt that he intends to give you your step. He has given me an acting
order, and he therefore cannot, in common fairness, withhold your
promotion from you. But naturally he would not take me into his
confidence and categorically state his intentions toward you before
mentioning the matter to you. But I feel as certain that you will get
your step as I do that I am at this moment sitting by your bedside."

"Well, that is good news indeed, and I thank you for so promptly
bringing it to me," exclaimed the invalid. "And I must not forget to
congratulate you, Grenvile, upon your good luck, which, I tell you
plainly, I think you fully deserve. But, although an acting order is an
excellent thing in its way, you will have to pass before you can get it
confirmed, you know. Have you served your full time at sea yet?"

"Yes," said I; "completed it last month. But it is rather awkward about
having to pass, though. I fear there is very little likelihood of my
being able to go for my examination here."

"That is as may be," returned the lieutenant. "Anyhow, you cannot get
away from here just yet; and it may be--I don't say it will, but it may
be--that an opportunity may occur before you leave. How did the
commodore treat you; did he seem fairly favourably disposed to you?"

"Yes, indeed," said I.