“All cadets are regarded as gentlemen,” hurried on Greg.  “Therefore, any cadet may be a suitable escort for a young woman.  If one cadet has two young lady friends coming to the hop, for instance, he asks one of his comrades to escort one of his friends.  Why, a cadet who, for any reason, finds himself unable to attend a hop, after he has invited a young lady, may arrange with anyone of his comrades to call for the young lady in his place.”

“What if she should decline the unknown substitute who reported to fill the task?” teased Belle.

“It would betray her unfamiliarity with West Point,” replied Greg, with more spirit than Belle had expected from this once very quiet young man.  “Miss Meade, we look upon a our comrades here as gentlemen.  We regard the man whom we may 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.