In the scene from "The Letter of Marque" by Patrick O'Brian, Stephen interrupts a conversation during dinner when the table is being cleared for dessert. He is keen to hear about Mr. Mowett's experiences with his publishers, prompting curiosity from Fanny. The atmosphere is light as they enjoy pudding and wine, but Stephen hints at a more serious topic involving the frustrations of dealing with delayed publishing. Fanny's reaction shows her interest in the intricacies of the publishing world.

Mr. Mowett expresses his frustration with his publishers, describing them as procrastinators, which elicits a sympathetic response from Fanny. Babbington interjects to clarify the situation for Fanny, which highlights the group's dynamic and their engagement in the conversation. The passage captures a moment of levity juxtaposed with the challenges writers often face, illustrating both the personal connections at the gathering and the ongoing struggles within the literary profession.