H.M.S. "PINAFORE"
"True, dear Captain," she replied, "I tried to go, but the recollection of your pale and sad face seemed to chain me to the ship. I would fain see you smile before I leave."
"I will try," said he.
He endeavoured to smile, but it was little more than a creaky mechanical grin.
"Not good enough, Captain," replied Little Buttercup, "don't be faint-hearted; try again, because I want to go home."
Again he tried to smile, but without success.
"Ah, Little Buttercup," said he, "I fear it will be long before I recover my accustomed cheerfulness, for misfortunes crowd upon me, and all my old friends seem to have turned against me!"
"Do not say 'all,' dear Captain," exclaimed Little Buttercup. "That were unjust to one, at least!"
"True," said Captain Corcoran, "for you are staunch to me. Good old Buttercup!"
At this point poor Little Buttercup's resolution gave way. With a bitter cry she knelt at his feet, and sobbed loudly as she kissed his hand.
"Little Buttercup," said Captain Corcoran, "it would be affectation to pretend that I do not under-
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