"Yes, yes, I know that. It isn't that, my boy! But--but--you'll never know what a woman feels when she first learns that her only boy loves another woman better than he loves his mother. It isn't sorrow. Bob, oh no! I'm as glad as glad, and I couldn't wish for anything better. But what about the Admiral? Will he consent? I know he wants Nancy to marry Captain Trevanion." CHAPTER IV For the next few days Bob lived in happy dreamland. It is true he did not see Nancy much alone, and no suggestion of their betrothal was made known. But he found an excuse for going to Penwennack every day, and Admiral Tresize, never imagining what was in his mind, always gave him a hearty welcome. Nancy had two brothers nearly of Bob's age, one of whom had been to Clifton with him; and although he was on the military side of the college, they saw much of each other. Dick Tresize was fond of Bob, in spite of the dissimilarity in their tastes, and as Bob evinced a sudden love and efficiency for tennis, he became in great demand. He also raised himself in the Admiral's estimation by challenging Captain Trevanion, who was a scratch man at golf, to a match on the Leiant Links. "How many strokes do you expect me to give you?" rather scornfully demanded Trevanion, who had not been at all pleased at Nancy's constant disinclination for his society and her sudden preference for Bob's. "Oh, we'll play level!" was Bob's reply. "I like a game when I play," said the Captain who joined heartily in the laugh at Bob's expense. "I'll try to give you a game," was Bob's reply. "Good old Bob," cried Dick Tresize, "and the loser shall stand tea at the Club House for the whole bally lot of us. And it must be a good tea too. We'll have a dish of cream and all sorts of cakes. We can easily arrange it, for Thursday is a quiet day, and the crowds of visitors haven't made their appearance yet. Have you plenty of money with you, Bob." "Oceans," replied Bob, pulling out a handful of change. "I'm only thinking about the state of Trevanion's finances." "They are all right," replied Trevanion. "And I propose that we play for a box of balls into the bargain." "How many of you are going?" asked Bob quietly. Several hands went up, including that of the Admiral, who had become enthusiastic about forming what he called "a gallery." "Good, Admiral. I'm glad you are going. That'll make twelve altogether. No, Trevanion, we won't play for the balls. The tea will be enough for you to pay for. I am told that the Army pays junior officers very badly." "That's why I want to play for a box of balls. My stock is running low, and I want to get some on the cheap." "Come, let's be off!" cried Dick. "I'll tell the men to bring out the cars, and we'll start right away. Where are your clubs, Bob?" "They are in my locker at the Club. I haven't seen them since the Easter Vac." "But you've played at Oxford?" "No; been too busy."