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.
"There is no need to," replied Mrs.Bentley.
At that moment Bert Dodge espied the little party.

After a short, but curious stare, Bert turned and came toward them..