"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."