"So you won't have any Annapolis hops until next fall, will you ?" "Probably not," Dave admitted.
"But you won't go to Annapolis, anyway," suggested Laura, turning to Prescott.

"There may be some West Point hops between then and June." "I feel pretty sure there will be," nodded Dick cheerily.

"And you girls may be sure of my keeping my promise." "And I'll keep mine for the very first hop that comes off at Annapolis after I get there," Darrin assured them.
The laugh was on both young men, though neither they nor their fair young companions knew it.
The poor "plebe," as the first year's man at either West Point or Annapolis is known, would be in for a terrible experience at the hands of his comrades if, during his "plebe" year, he had the "cheek" to seek to attend a cadet hop.

He must wait until he has entered his second year before he has that privilege.
This is a wise regulation.

In his first year the poor "plebe" has so bewilderingly much to learn that he simply couldn't spare any time for the cultivation of the graces of the ballroom.
In his first year, he has dancing lessons, but that is all that comes his way.
Greg Holmes came to Prescott with a wistful, rather sad face.
"How are you coming on, Dick ?" Greg asked.
"Meaning what ?" "Are you going to be well prepared for the examinations ?" "As far as being able to pass with a decent percentage," Dick answered, "I am not all uneasy.