"Well, I am home on furlough; and I don't know whether I wish I were back or not, for I fear that you will have cut me out on all the girls, especially since you are a high and mighty first captain this year. Speaking of girls, you just ought to be here. The girls at West Point are _blasé_ on cadets, for they see so many; but here a West Point officer is cock of the walk, and I have to fight a jealous rival once a week."