Will you ?" Dick tried hard to find words in which to thank Mr.Pollock for the generous offer.
First of all, Prescott took Holmes out driving, one forenoon, to "try out" the mare.

The little animal proved speedy but tractable---a wholly safe driving horse.
"I'm not a betting man," quoth Greg, "but I'll lay a wager that I can guess who gets the next drive behind this horse.
"Post your wager," laughed Dick gayly.
"Lau-----" "Wrong! My mother gets the next drive." And so she did, that same afternoon.

But the following afternoon Prescott, after a good deal of attention to his personal appearance, walked to Getchel's and drove away from there behind the mare.
The next stop was at the house of Dr.Bentley.
Yet, when Cadet Prescott caught his first glimpse of the broad, cool veranda of the doctor's house, the young man felt a sudden throb of the heart.
Another young man---he looked to be somewhat under thirty---was seated in a big rocker, close to Laura.

Both young people were laughing gayly before Miss Bentley caught sight of Dick.
"You're occupied, I see," called Prescott lightly, though the tone cost him an effort.
"Come right up, Dick," called Laura, so the cadet leaped from the buggy, hitching the horse.

The he turned into the broad walk and gained the veranda, where he was presented to Mr.Cameron.
Mr.Cameron greeted the cadet pleasantly, yet didn't seem overjoyed at his presence.