In the meantime an earnest contest for Isabelle's favour was going on between Percy and one of his friends, Jack Porter. She accepted their attentions indifferently, played with them when it was convenient, and disposed of them cruelly when it was not. She loved to dance and, as they both danced well, they were useful after dinner; unless, of course, Captain O'Leary danced with her more than once, which sometimes happened. Major O'Dell had shown signs of appreciating her talents since her brief encounter with him on the raft and later. She decided to cultivate him, and--eventually--to ask him for her Chinese coat. Major O'Dell asked her to take tea with him one day. Mrs. Darlington, and a Miss Devoe, who made eyes at O'Leary, were also his guests. The Captain, and the fat little man, named Monty Haven, who had been on the ship, were there. "I've captured a charming recruit," said the host as he presented Isabelle. "I didn't know that you could be captured, Miss Bryce," said Mrs. Darlington, insolently. "It takes the military!" retorted Isabelle. "That's right. Plain civilians haven't a chance with you girls any more, have we?" Haven asked Isabelle. "Not much," she agreed. "What could a nice fellow like me do to get into the running, Miss Bryce?" "Why don't you train down?" she answered, literally. "Oh, Miss Bryce! you're stepping on Haven's toes," laughed Captain O'Leary. "Am I?" she said, peering under the table. "The dear, ingenuous little thing," said Mrs. Darlington, tartly. She turned and deliberately engaged the men next her in an aside. She had no intention of letting this impertinent miss occupy the entire attention during tea. Captain O'Leary turned to the protection of Isabelle. "Haven't seen much of you lately," he began. "No?" "I see you are always followed by a retinue of boys. No chance for an old fellow like me." "The young ones _are_ more diverting." "Who is the blond Adonis, me chief rival?" "You refer to Percy?" "Percy? Am I to be cut out by a youth named Percy?" he cried. "You are--if you don't look out." "Never! What can I do to reinstate meself?" "You can't expect me to think up ways." "What does Percy do?" "Ask him." "Give me two dances to-night, and take a walk with me in the morning," he demanded. "I make no promises. You will have to take your chances"--airily. Miss Devoe, on O'Leary's other side, said audibly: "Give her a spoon to play with, Larry, and pay some attention to me." Isabelle leaned across to her. "_I'm_ using him now," she said. "Do you know what Captain O'Leary calls you?" retorted Miss Devoe. "No"--with great interest. "A leprechaun." "It _sounds_ naughty," said Isabelle, turning reproachful eyes upon him; "_is_ it?" "Very," he admitted. "That is just his pet name for me. What does he call you?" she inquired of Miss Devoe. Miss Devoe ignored the rejoinder, by whispering to Larry. Isabelle turned to Major O'Dell.