Griffin eagerly.

"I told him only to be ready if called," Prescott made reply.
"I had no intention of bringing him over for a soiree this evening,
unless the plebe does something else raw in the meantime."

A "soiree" is an institution of the summer encampment. The plebe
who is in for a soiree may be either a man who has committed some
direct offence against the upper classmen, or a plebe who has
been observed to be simply too b.j. in general. Mr. Plebe is
directed to present himself at the tent of some upper classman.
Several yearlings are here gathered to receive him. He is taken
in hand in no gentle way. He is rebuked, scored "roasted." He
is made to feel that he is a disgrace to the United States Military
Academy, and that he never will be a particle of value in the
Service. Mr. Plebe is hauled over the coals in a fashion that
few civilians could invent or carry out. Very likely, on top
of all the lecturing, the man will be severely hazed. He is also
quite likely, especially if he show impatience, to be called out
for a fight.

The b.j.-est plebe, after a soiree by capable yearlings, is always
afterwards observed to be a very meek plebe.

The rain continued so long that not only were afternoon drills
escaped, but dress parade as well. It was not, in fact, much
before supper time that the rain stopped and the sun came out
briefly. But the brief period of relaxation had been appreciated
hugely throughout camp. Three quarters of the cadets under canvas
had found time for at least a two hours' sleep.