"For the next dance. I think, if you are very much on your guard,
Sennett, you will pass for enough of a gentleman for a few minutes."
"I'll call you out for that on Monday," retorted the other yearling, in mock wrath. "But, for the present, lead me over that I may prostrate myself at the feet of the femme."
So Dick stood beside Mrs. Bentley and watched Laura dance with one of the most popular fellows of the class. As Sennett and Laura returned to Mrs. Bentley, Cadet Dodge suddenly slipped up as though from nowhere.
"Miss Bentley," he murmured, bowing before Laura, after having greeted her mother, "I am presumptuous enough to trust that you remember me."
"Perfectly, Mr. Dodge," replied Laura in her even tones. "How do you do?"
She did not offer her hand; within the limits of perfectly good breeding it was her privilege to withhold it without slight or offence.
"How have you been since the old High School days?"
"Perfectly well, thank you."
"And you, Mrs. Bentley?" asked Dodge, again bowing before her mother.
"Very well, thank you, Mr. Dodge," replied Mrs. Bentley, who subtly took her cue from her daughter.