“No, Smithson,” said the lieutenant; “that I really should not. I want you, and I want you to treat all this as confidential.”
“But it is sure to be known, sir.”
“That you are giving me lessons, yes; but not the style of lesson. When could you begin?”
Dick glanced at the flute.
“Would you like a lesson now, sir?”
“Yes, exactly; but you have no instrument.”
“But you have, sir; and I could help you better without.”
“I’m afraid not, Smithson. You see, I should want to hear the air played at the same time.”
“I could run that through as an accompaniment on the piano.”
“You could?” cried the lieutenant, staring.