A Word of Advice

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"Mr Hornblower?"

"Aye, sir."

"I... find that I require your advice, sir."

"Certainly, sir. Anything I can do to help."

"I find that I am in need of... certain knowledge."

"Knowledge, sir?"

"Yes, indeed, Mr Hornblower."

"Sir, I am sure that your vast weight of knowledge and experience would far outweigh mine, however, any small knowledge that I might have is of course at your disposal."

"Good. I... find that I require some... advice."

"On what specifically, sir, if I may be so bold?"

"On the matter of Mr Kennedy."

"Arch... Mr Kennedy?"

"Yes, indeed, Hornblower. Mr Kennedy."

"Then perhaps if you were to ask Mr Kennedy, sir?"

"But I am asking you, sir."

"Of course, sir. What was it that you wish to know?"

"Do you know if he has a lover?"

<cough splutter> "You pardon, sir. You wish to know if Mr Kennedy has a lover?"

"Yes, Hornblower, that is what I wished to know."

"I see, sir."

"Well, does he, or doesn't he?"

"Not <ahem> to my knowledge, sir."

"You wouldn't lie to your Captain, would you, Hornblower?"

"Of course not, sir."

"So it wouldn't be Mr Bracegirdle, would it?"

"Certainly not, sir."

"Mr Hether?"

"No, sir."

"Mr Cleveland?"

"No, sir."

"And, on your word of honour, it wouldn't be... you, sir?"

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