"A bit!" said the lieutenant, smiling. "Ah, well, I won't flatter you. I should like you to come often and play with me--duets and pieces. The fact is, Smithson, I want to perform something in--in--in public one evening--a duet. I have been thinking that I might play the first part and you the second. What do you think?" "I think the same as you do, sir," said Dick. "When would you like to begin?" "Well, the fact is, Smithson, I am rather pressed for time." "I will come in at any hour you appoint, sir--that is, if there is no band practice." "Oh, the colonel will speak to Wilkins about that, Smithson; but you do not understand me. I have plenty of time, but I am pressed--anxious to play a duet or two as soon as possible." "I understand, sir," said Dick, scanning the handsome face and athletic mould of the young officer, as the feeling grew upon him that the former was what some people would call rather mild; "but I am no teacher, would you like Mr Wilkins to give you some lessons?" "No, Smithson," said the lieutenant; "that I really should not. I want you, and I want you to treat all this as confidential." "But it is sure to be known, sir." "That you are giving me lessons, yes; but not the style of lesson. When could you begin?" Dick glanced at the flute. "Would you like a lesson now, sir?" "Yes, exactly; but you have no instrument." "But you have, sir; and I could help you better without." "I'm afraid not, Smithson. You see, I should want to hear the air played at the same time." "I could run that through as an accompaniment on the piano." "You could?" cried the lieutenant, staring. "Well enough, perhaps, for that, sir." "Then, let's begin at once." "Have you selected an air, sir?" "Well--er--yes," faltered the great fellow. "I have--er--chosen two-- duets. Here they are." He handed the music, and Dick took it up, glancing at each piece in turn; while the young officer looked warm and uncomfortable, watching his visitor uneasily. "`Flow on, thou Shining River;' `Oh, Happy, Happy Fair!'" read Dick. "Both beautiful melodies;" and, taking the former, he crossed to the piano and ran through the melody, and then the accompaniment, with plenty of expression; while the lieutenant sat upon his chair with his eyes glistening from excitement. "Now this piece," he cried; and Dick ran through the second. "Why, Smithson," cried the lieutenant, "you are a wonderful musician! I--I'm afraid that you will be ready to laugh at me." "Oh, no, sir. Now, then--I suppose your flute is of the right pitch?" "I--er--think so." "Try, sir." Dick struck the chord of the key in which the piece was set, and the young officer blew a note of a most uncertain sound. "Fully a quarter of a tone out, sir," said Dick, thoroughly in earnest now over his task. "Shall I alter the slide, sir?" "If you please."