He, without diminution of love and loyalty to Belle Mead, was glad to be on friendly terms with this dashing and sprightly girl.
Coffee was served in the drawing room.

Several officers dropped in.
Marian, who wished no one to come between her and Dave for a while, turned to her host.
"Mr.Stearns, do the regulations make it improper for Flora and me to ask Mr.Darrin and Mr.Dalzell to take us for a stroll about the yard ?" she asked with a pretty air of deference.

The "yard" includes all the grounds belonging to the Naval Academy.
"They do not, Miss Marian," was the smiling response.
"With our hostess's approval we shall be charmed to grant any request the young ladies make," ventured Dave, as Marian smiled into his eyes.
But Marian, the wily and experienced, found herself baffled during this walk.

Using all her cajoleries, she could bring him to a certain point beyond which he would not go.

As a matter of fact, Dave Darrin, secure in his loyalty to Belle, did not perceive what Maid Marian was striving to lead up to, but saw in her only a lively and interesting girl.
"I'll get you yet, Midshipman Darrin," she vowed to herself after they had parted.
The gossip of a sweetheart in his home town which in time reached her ears only made the girl more determined to get her way.