Major O’Dell had shown signs of appreciating her talents since her brief encounter with him on the raft and later. She decided to cultivate him, and—eventually—to ask him for her Chinese coat.
Major O’Dell asked her to take tea with him one day. Mrs. Darlington, and a Miss Devoe, who made eyes at O’Leary, were also his guests. The Captain, and the fat little man, named Monty Haven, who had been on the ship, were there.
“I’ve captured a charming recruit,” said the host as he presented Isabelle.
“I didn’t know that you could be captured, Miss Bryce,” said Mrs. Darlington, insolently.
“It takes the military!” retorted Isabelle.
“That’s right. Plain civilians haven’t a chance with you girls any more, have we?” Haven asked Isabelle.
“Not much,” she agreed.
“What could a nice fellow like me do to get into the running, Miss Bryce?”
“Why don’t you train down?” she answered, literally.
“Oh, Miss Bryce! you’re stepping on Haven’s toes,” laughed Captain O’Leary.