please-dont-pet-the-okapi:

It was with diffidence that Hornblower had asked him to serve as first lieutenant—as the only lieutenant allowed on the establishment of a sloop of war—of the Hotspur, under Hornblower’s command. It had been astonishing, and extremely flattering, to see the delight in Bush’s face at the invitation.
“I’d been hoping you’d ask me, sir,” said Bush. “I couldn’t really think you’d want me as first lieutenant.”
“Nobody I’d like better,” Hornblower had replied. 

—Hornblower and the Hotspur by C. S. Forester.