I ought to know what I'm talking
about, because I was an independent myself."
Mr. Gamble chuckled gleefully over this witticism, which was
evidently one which he relied upon for the making of conversation.
"How do you do, Captain?" he said, to a man who was passing. "Mr.
Montague, let me introduce my friend Captain Gill."
Montague turned and faced a tall and dignified-looking naval
officer. "Captain Henry Gill, of the Allegheny."
"How do you, Mr. Montague?" said the Captain.
"Oliver Montague's brother," added Gamble, by way of further
introduction. And then, espying someone else coming whom he knew, he
waddled off down the room, leaving Montague in conversation with the
officer.
Captain Gill was in command of one of the half-dozen vessels which
the government obligingly sent to assist in maintaining the gaieties
of the Newport season. He was an excellent dancer, and a favourite
with the ladies, and an old crony of Mrs. De Graffenried's. "Have
you known Mr. Gamble long?" he asked, by way of making conversation.
"I met him once before," said Montague.
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