To the observation of Dr. Maturin, at least, there was nothing lesser about the young officer before him. To have someone speak so eloquently of his own interests was, of course, to quite win his heart in his present state. He made a mental note to add Indefatigable, with the adjoinment id est Indy, to his personal pages, and reflected no more on the Carpenter's Mistake. The man clearly had a high regard for his post, and deep feelings for the service, if not the sea. Jack would have certainly benefited by having such an officer under his command.
Stephen's unblinking eyes were bright with a sharp curiosity at Lieutenant Hornblower's "hope to return," a curiosity that nearly proved irrepressible—but he was spared from his medical interest leading him into lands best left untrod when forming a new acquaintance by that same acquaintance extending his company. The invitation was unexpected, and received wholeheartedly. "I am very much obliged to you," Stephen replied as he pulled out a chair. "What is our game?"
The game was to be whist, and no sooner had the word been spoken aloud than several more heads turned, enterprising eyes set within, and Stephen quickly found himself crowded opposite the lieutenant. They were to be partners in the venture, then. "I believe we may now call ourselves a 'card party'," Stephen mentioned, balancing his wineglass as a wider set of shoulders jostled his own. Despite his affable tones, from over his spectacles he was making an open study of the lieutenant now, one that invited a return. Though their acquaintance was recent, and necessarily suspended now in its natural course, Stephen wondered if he had mistaken the gleam of an intellect that might make such a partnership between them advantageous.