"Oh, no; Jet wouldn't poison all girls, or do anything like that. He isn't violent against girls. In fact, he's merely shy when they're around. But in the service any fellow who isn't always dancing attendance on the fair is doomed to be dubbed a woman hater. In other words, a woman hater is just a fellow who doesn't pester girls all the time."
"Are you a woman hater?" Belle asked.
"Except when you are at Annapolis," was Dave's ready explanation.
That afternoon's lawn party proved a much more enjoyable affair than the young people had expected. Belle met there, for the first time, five or six girls with whom she was to be thrown often later on.
When it was over, Dave, having town liberty as well, proudly escorted his sweetheart and her mother back to the hotel.
There were more days like it. Dave, by Thursday, realizing that he was coming through his morning trials with flying colors, had arranged permission to take out a party in one of the steamers.
As the steamer could be used only for a party Darrin invited Farley and Wolgast to bring their sweethearts along. Mrs. Meade at first demurred about going.
"You and Belle have had very little time together," declared that good lady, "and I'm not so old but that I remember my youth. With so large a party there's no need of a chaperon."
"But we'd immensely like to have you come," urged Dave; "that is, unless you'd be uncomfortable on the water."
"Oh, I'm never uncomfortable on the water," Belle's mother replied.