“If any of your friends need cards of invitation, won’t you let me know, so that I may send them to you?”
“I’m sure I shan’t need any, but if I do, I promise to remember your kindness, and apply.”
“It will be a pleasure for me to serve you. With whom shall you come? I should like to know the name, in case I should miss you in the crowd.”
“I expect to be with Captain Kempt, of the United States Navy.”
“Ah,” said the Lieutenant, with a note of disappointment in his voice which he had not the diplomacy to conceal. His hold of her hand relaxed, and she took the opportunity to withdraw it.
“What sort of a man is Captain Kempt? I shall be on the lookout for him, you know.”
“I think he is the handsomest man I have ever seen, and I know he is the kindest and most courteous.”
“Really? A young man, I take it?”
“There speaks the conceit of youth,” said Dorothy, smiling. “Captain Kempt, U.S.N., retired. His youngest daughter is just two years older than myself.”
“Oh, yes, Captain Kempt. I—I remember him now. He was at the dinner last night, and sat beside our captain. What a splendid story-teller he is!” cried the Lieutenant with honest enthusiasm.