A good deal of time, however, had been consumed. By the time that Midshipman Dave Darrin returned to the hop the orchestra was just breaking into the strains of "Home, Sweet Home."
Dave's quick glance roved the floor and the seats. He beheld Belle Meade, seated at the side, while Farley bent over her in an inviting attitude. Darrin quickly reached the scene. Belle saw him coming, just in time to refrain from taking Farley's arm.
"You won't mind this time, will you, Farl?" Dave asked, smiling.
"I had given you up," said Belle, as they moved away together in the dance.
"Of course Dan told you what had delayed me."
"He told me you would return as soon as you could," replied Miss Meade, "but he was provokingly mysterious as to the cause of your absence."
"There was a little trouble," Dave whispered.
"Are you in trouble?" asked Belle quickly, her cheeks paling.
"No; I think not. By trouble I mean that I just took part in a fight."
"So you took the time when I am here as the most suitable occasion for a fight?" asked Belle, her color coming back and heightening.