CHAPTER XVI.
THE MAN WITH A SCOWL ON TAP "I wish we lived in Annapolis, that we might be here at every hop!" sighed Belle Meade, as the waltz finished and she and Dave, flushed and happy, sought seats at the side of the ballroom.
They had hardly seated themselves when they were joined by Dan and Laura Bentley.
"I was just saying, Laura," Belle went on, "that it would be splendid if we lived here all through the winter.

Then we'd have a chance to come to every hop." "Wouldn't we want to put in a part of the winter near West Point ?" asked Miss Bentley, smiling, though with a wistful look in her eyes.
"Perhaps that would be fairer, to you," Belle agreed.
"You'd soon get tired of the hops," ventured Dave.
"Can one ever weary of dancing ?" Belle demanded.

"Well, perhaps one might, though never on the small amount that has come to me so far in life.

And this Navy orchestra plays so divinely!" "Our number's next, I believe, ladies," called Midshipman Farley, as he and Page came up, eager for their chances with these two very charming belles of the hop.
"Hang you, Farl!" muttered Dave.
"That's just like Darrin, Miss Meade," laughed Farley.

"He's always a monopolist at heart.