"I have," said I, pretending not to notice his altered looks.  "I have, although perhaps I am not acting quite fairly by the commodore in forestalling him.  He is coming to see you, sir, and, although he did not absolutely state as much in so many words, I have not the slightest doubt that he intends to give you your step.  He has given me an acting order, and he therefore cannot, in common fairness, withhold your promotion from you.  But naturally he would not take me into his confidence and categorically state his intentions toward you before mentioning the matter to you.  But I feel as certain that you will get your step as I do that I am at this moment sitting by your bedside."