When you call on a girl once, and ask if you may call some other time, how on earth is she to guess that you're an intended rival of the man she has promised to marry ?" "But-----" That was as far as Midshipman Dalzell got.

He halted, wondering what he really could say next.
"Dan, I'm afraid you've got an awful lot to learn about girls, and also about the social proprieties to be observed in calling on them.

As to Miss Preston receiving a call from you, and permitting you to call again, that was something that any engaged girl might do properly enough.

Miss Preston came to Annapolis, possibly to learn something about midshipman life.

She met you and allowed you to call.