"That's a fairy tale," said Dave promptly. "The average midshipman has about all he can do to hold his place here, without losing any time in running around making the acquaintances of young women who probably don't care at all about knowing him."
"What I'm wondering about," Belle went on, "is whether the young woman we have been discussing is any one in whom Dan Dalzell is seriously interested."
"I'll ask Dan."
"Oh! And I suppose you'll tell him that it's I who really want to know."
"I'll tell him that, too, if you wish it."
"Dave, you won't even mention my name to Dan in connection with any topic so silly."
"All right, Belle. All I want is my sailing orders. I know how to follow them."
"You're teasing me," Miss Meade went on, pouting. "I don't mean to be curious, but I noticed that Dan appears to be quite attentive to the young lady, and I was wondering whether Dan had met his fate—-that's all."
"I don't know," smiled Midshipman Darrin, "and I doubt if Dan does, either. He's just the kind of fellow who might ignore girls for three years, then be ardently attentive to one for three days—-and forget all about her in a week."
"Is Dan such a flirt as that?" Belle demanded, looking horrified.