Horatio and Archie

This is an excerpt from the first Horatio Hornblower novel, Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, which my sister Sadie is currently reading. My second favourite character in the series, Archie Kennedy, is a far smaller and insignificant character in the books; indeed, he only has a few lines in the first book. And that's it. They made him into a much bigger character in the movie series, which furthers my very strong belief that the screenwriters knew EXACTLY what they were doing! However, I really liked this one line (of his three- THREE!) in the book, because it shows how he and Horatio really were friends, even if they were not as close as was portrayed in the movies.


  Excerpt from chapter 4, Mr. Midshipman Hornblower

 Midshipman Hornblower was walking the lee side of the quarterdeck, as became his lowly station as the junior officer of the watch, when Midshipman Kennedy approached him. Kennedy took off his hat with a flourish and bowed low as his dancing master had once taught him, left foot advanced, hat down by the right knee. Hornblower entered into the spirit of the game, laid his hat against his stomach, and bent himself in the middle three times in quick succession. Thanks to his physical awkwardness {*} he could parody ceremonial solemnity almost without trying.
  "Most grave and reverend signor", said Kennedy. "I bear the compliments of Captain Sir Edward Pellew, who humbly solicits Your Gravity's attendance at dinner at eight bells in the afternoon watch."
  "My respects to Sir Edward", replied Hornblower, bowing to his knees at the mention of the name, "and I shall condescend to make a brief appearance."
   "I am sure the captain will be both relieved and delighted", said Kennedy. "I will convey him my felicitations along with your most flattering acceptance."

                                        

           Awwww! That's enough, Emma.

* Physically awkward indeed!

Very Truly Yours,

         Emma Jane