Guy Boothby

“ The flagship herself was decorated with true nautical taste, and the bright uniforms and varied colours of the ladies’ dresses lent an additional lustre to the picture. The fleet band played on the quarterdeck, and a camera obscura was arranged upon the bridge. The latter is important.
Mrs. and Miss De Courcy Fenning were among the first to arrive, and the Rear-Admiral coloured like a school-boy as he stepped forward to receive them. The young lady's toilet had been made with exquisite care, and everyone thought it suited her charmingly. Sir Dominic Denby thought so too. ”

“ Rear-Admiral Sir Dominic Denby, K.C B was a bachelor, and a most gallant and polite old gentleman. Like most of his profession he had an eye for a pretty face and a well turned ankle, and in spite of his years he was still susceptible to their fascinations. He was, moreover, sociably inclined, entertained hospitably, and the officers of Ins squadron ably seconded bis efforts.
When the fleet had been in Sydney harbour a fortnight or so he issued cards for an afternoon “At home” aboard his flagship. Mrs. De Courcy Fenning and Miss Ethelwyn Fenning were among those invited. ”

“ When the Government House party left the ship the Admiral felt at liberty to devote his attention exclusively to Miss Fenning, and he himself escorted her over the vessel. They wound up with the camera obscura tent, where they found themselves alone. Being a woman, her instinct told her what was coming. ”