"What something is and what something seems are quite often too very different things, but I suppose it will do."

[The words were slow, coming at a much more solid pace than his thoughts] I should hardly expect to find you, of all people, protesting service, Mr. Hornblower.

[his fingers tapped a pensive rhythm on the cover of his journal] Especially if they are so strapped for able bodied men that they would go to such desperate measures.

[it sounds like an accusation. It feels like an accusation. Lord knows, Pellew assumes his Captain will take it as such. But he's looking for information, and he knows this will get something]