this: I shall see you the night of the 14th, at the ball we are giving
on the 'Consternation'?"

"It is very likely," laughed the girl, "unless you overlook me in the
throng. There will be a great mob. I hear you have issued many
invitations."

"We hope all our friends will come. It's going to be a great function.
Your Secretary of the Navy has promised to look in on us, and our
Ambassador from Washington will be there. I assure you we are doing
our best, with festooned electric lights, hanging draperies, and all
that, for we want to make the occasion at least remotely worthy of the
hospitality we have received. Of course you have your card, but I wish
you hadn't, so that I might have the privilege of sending you one or
more invitations."

"That would be quite unnecessary," said the girl, again with a slight
laugh and heightened color.

"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."