'm afraid I'm rather weak, and the fellows like to chaff me.
I don't mind much; but I can't help wishing Nature had made me less
good-looking and given me some more brains."

Dick glanced at the fine, handsome fellow, and the lieutenant caught his
eye.

"Ah! now you're going to laugh at me because I talked about being
good-looking."

"Why should I?" said Dick, honestly. "You are the best-looking fellow--
I beg pardon, sir, the best-looking officer--in the regiment."

"I am," said the lieutenant, frankly, "and the biggest and strongest, as
I've often proved; but what's the good of that, Smithson, when you're
the greatest duffer? The colonel and the major both like me."

"And there isn't a man in the regiment who wouldn't do anything for you,
sir."

"I suppose not, Smithson; but, as I was going to say, if the colonel and
the major didn't like me, I should always be in hot water, for I'm
horribly stupid over the movements.--Ready?"

"Quite, sir."

"Then let's begin. There! I've forgotten it all, and I get so nervous
my fingers grow quite damp. Now, then, to begin."

Dick beat a bar, raised his flute, and blew a note.

"I beg your pardon," said the lieutenant; "I was not quite ready.
Again, please."

A fresh start was made, and in his nervousness the officer was too soon.

Then a couple more starts were made, and the lieutenant laid down his
flute.

"It's no good!" he cried, pitifully. "I always seem to make a fool of
myself in everything I attempt."

"You only want confidence, sir," said Dick. "Try again."

The flute was taken up, and, after a good many stumbles, the duet was
run through very badly.

"I think you had better play the first part, and I'll take the second,
Smithson."

"But you have studied the first part, sir, and you don't know anything
about the second."

"No," said the lieutenant, plaintively; "but if the second broke down,
it wouldn't be of so much consequence. Look here, Smithson, you are so
strong at all this sort of thing; couldn't you give me a lift with a
note or two?--I shall only break down."

"You will not break down, sir," cried Smithson. "You said Friday night,
didn't you?"

"Yes, Friday; but that's an unlucky day, isn't it?"

"Old women say so, sir; and I've been as unfortunate on other days. You
shall do it somehow. I'll make you."

"Thank you, Smithson. But I'm afraid she will not think much of it."

"Why not, sir? The duet is sweetly pretty, and mu