"Thank you, no," Belle answered coldly. "And I would also like to make it plain, Mr. Ardmore, since you make it necessary, that I do not wish your company at any time or place. I am sorry to have to speak so plainly." A deep flush dyed the cheeks of the fop. But he was not so easily discouraged. "I had intended to call this evening, Miss Meade. I am to have a box at the theatre." "You may call anywhere you wish," Belle retorted, her eyes flashing, "provided it is not at my home." "Oh, I am very much afraid that you are annoyed with me," cried Ardmore. "I am," Belle admitted. "Mr. Ardmore, will you do me the very great favor of ceasing your attempts at acquaintance?" "Acquaintance? Why, we're already very well acquainted, Miss Meade; in fact, I had hoped that we were, by this time, the most excellent friends. If this gentleman," with a sidelong look at Dave, "will excuse us, Miss Meade, will you stroll along with me and tell me in what way I may have offended you without intending anything of the sort?" Dave, who had remained quiet, now felt called upon to interpose. "Sir," he demanded, "will you observe Miss Meade's request and take yourself away?" "And what have you to say about this?" demanded Ardmore sneeringly. "The young lady is under my protection." "I have offered her mine." "And Miss Meade has just told you that you will please her most by keeping away from her at all times," replied Darrin quietly but firmly. "What? After all the good times she and I have enjoyed together?" demanded Ardmore, as though astounded beyond measure. "I? Good times with you?" cried Belle, her cheeks flaming. "I've never even spoken to you when I could avoid it." "That's false!" cried young Ardmore hotly. "Stop, right there!" warned Dave Darrin in a quieter voice than ever, though his face paled swiftly. "Did I understand you to remark that Miss Meade had made a false statement?" "You did!" Whack! Darrin's clenched right fist caught the fop on the temple, felling him to the ground. "Go right on to Laura's, Belle," begged Dave quickly. "I'll be along soon." Miss Meade walked rapidly ahead. Ardmore was on his feet in an instant. Not wanting in a certain amount of animal courage, he rushed at Dave, only to be met with a blow in the mouth that floored him again. The fop's lip was cut and bleeding when he rose. "You cur!" bellowed the fellow. "The opinion of a person like you can't matter very much," Dave retorted coolly. A little crowd was beginning to gather. Dave's pallor increased, for his very soul writhed at the thought of having Belle's name involved in a brawl in this fashion. "You're a--" began Ardmore, but Dave Darrin moved quickly up to him. "Do you retract the statement you made?" demanded the midshipman in a low voice. "I retract nothing," quivered Ardmore. "I repeat, and repeat--"