send in our place as being more
worthy than ourselves. Isn't it natural, therefore, that we should
expect the young lady to feel honored by the substitution in the
way of escort?

"Wholly so," Belle admitted. "If I have said anything that sounded
inconsiderate, or too light, you will forgive me, won't you, Mr.
Holmes?"

"You haven't offended, and you couldn't," Greg replied courteously;
"for I never take offence where none is meant, and you would be
incapable of intending any."

The young people ahead were talking very quietly. Laura, indeed,
did not wish to talk much. She was taken up with her study of
the changed---and improved---Dick Prescott.

"Do you know, Dick," she asked finally, "I am more pleased over
your coming to West Point than over anything else that could have
happened to you."

"Why?" Dick asked.

"Because the life here has made such a rapid and fine change in
you."

"You are sure it has made such a change?" Dick inquired.

"Yes; you were a manly boy in Gridley, but you are an actual man,
now, and I am certain that the change has been made more quickly
here than would have happened in any other life."

"One thing I can understand," pursued Laura. "The life here is
one that is full of purpose. It must be. It takes purpose and
downright hard work to change two young men as you and Greg have
been changed."

By this time the little party was close to the west, or road side
of the encampment.

"Isn't that Bert Dodge over there?" asked Laura, after gazing rather
intently at a somewhat distant cadet.

"That is Mr. Dodge, Laura."

"Do you care to call him over to speak with us?" asked Mrs. Bentley.

"If you wish it," Dick responded evenly.

Laura looked at him quickly.

"Are you and Mr. Dodge no better friends here than at Gridley?"
she asked in a low tone.

"Mr. Dodge and I are classmates, but we are thrown together very
little," Dick replied quietly.

"I do not think we care about speaking with Mr. Dodge, do we,
mother?" inquired Laura.

"There is no need to," replied Mrs. Bentley.

At that moment Bert Dodge espied the little party. After a short,
but curious stare, Bert turned and came toward them.

CHAPTER VIII

CADET DODGE HEARS SOMETHING

It was an embarrassing position. So, at least, thought Laura
Bentley.

"Let us walk on," she suggested, turning as though she had not
seen Dodge.

"Humph!" muttered Dodge, turning his own course. "The girls are
show