"After working as I've worked for four years for the privilege, I'd be a fool to miss it.

But I'll sneak away early, after I've done a friend's duty by you and Belle.
No girls for me until I'm a captain in the Navy!" The ball room was a scene of glory that night.

Bright eyes shone unwontedly, and many a heart fluttered.

For Belle Meade was not the only girl there who was betrothed to a midshipman.

Any graduate who chose might marry as soon as he pleased, but nearly all the men of the class preferred to wait until they had put in their two years at sea and had won their commissions as ensigns.
"This must be a night of unalloyed pleasure to you," murmured Belle, as she and her young officer sweetheart sat out one dance.
"You can look back over a grand four years of life here." "I don't know that I'd have the nerve to go through it all again," Darrin answered her honestly.
"You don't have to," Belle laughed happily.