Admiral Harte, still hoping to curry favour and at the same time to gratify a personal malevolence, said, ‘Would it be in order to call upon Sir Joseph to declare a personal interest?’

‘No sir, it would not,’ cried Admiral Parr, his port-wine face flushing purple. ‘A most improper suggestion, by God.’ His voice trailed away in a series of coughs and grunts, through which could be heard ‘infernal presumption – new member – mere rear-admiral – little shit.’

HMS Surprise – Patrick O’Brian