There was a difference.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 8, 20 February 1902, Page 29

There was a difference.

APROPOS of the marriage of an impecunious ensign in the navy a short time ago, some of the veterans of the navy yard recall the story of Rear-Admiral William Kirkland, who was affectionately known in the navy as ' Red Bill.' A young ensign hesitatingly found his way into the Admiral's cabin one day, and with a great deal of circumlocution and coughing finally let it be known that he loved the Admiral's daughter, and would be the happiest man on earth if he had her parent's consent to marry her. ' No sir ! ' thundered the Admiral. ' No, siree. Not now, anyhow. No pauper of an ensign is going to marry my daughter You'd better wait until you are promoted, and are nble to support yourself before you think of marrying ' Tho young officer astounded the Admiral by not retiring precipitately ITe even ventured the reminder that Che Admiral himself had married when he was but an ensign, and that his married life had been a happy one. Red Bill Kirkland glared at the presumptuous speaker for a moment, and then thundered : ' I know T married when T was an ensign. My father-in-law supported me for several years, too, but, I'm hanged if yours will.'