Five minutes after the last of the corps had marched in under the port, Dick, his dress uniform changed for the fatigue, came out with bounding step and crossed the road.
Wholly unashamed, he passed his arms around his mother, gave her a big hug, several kisses, and then, hat in hand, turned to stroll with her under the trees.
"Dad couldn't come, I'm afraid ?" Dick asked in disappointment.
"He had to stay and look after the store, you know, Dick, my boy.
But the store will be closed two days this week, for your father is coming on here to see you graduate.

Nothing could keep him away from that." "And how is everyone at home?
How is Laura ?" Dick asked eagerly.
"She will be here in time for the graduation hop," replied Mrs.
Prescott.

"She told me she had seen you so far through your West Point life, that she would feel uneasy over not being here to see the last move of all.

Dick, do you mind your mother asking you a question?
You used to care especially for Laura Bentley, did you not ?" "Why, mother ?" asked Prescott with a sudden sinking at heart.
Lounging against the other side of a tree that Prescott and his mother were passing, the disguised Jordan was close enough to hear.
What he heard seemed to deepen the scowl of hatred on his face; but mother and son were soon out of ear shot, and the miserable Jordan slunk away..