She first proposed the matter to her aunt, who declared promptly that it must be for Sylvia to say; that Sylvia was busy writing a book (she was revising her grandfather's textbook), besides helping to entertain the Elizabeth House guests; but when the matter was referred to Sylvia, she cheerfully agreed to give Blackford two hours a day.
Sylvia quickly established herself on terms of good comradeship with her pupil.

Blackford was old enough to find the proximity of a pretty girl agreeable, and Sylvia was sympathetic and encouraging.

When he confided to her his hopes of a naval career (he had finally renounced the Army) Sylvia sent off to Annapolis for the entrance requirements.

She told him of her Grandfather Kelton's service in the Navy and recounted some of the old professor's exploits in the Civil War.

The stories Sylvia had heard at her grandfather's knee served admirably as a stimulus.