and to give you courage from the gallery---but I don't believe
you need a bit. Faithfully, Laura."

Belle's note was much shorter. It ran:

"Dear Dick: What stupid ideas they have of comedy here at West
Point!"

And, as Belle knew that she wasn't and couldn't be Dick's sweetheart,
she had not hesitated to sign herself, "Lovingly, Belle."

Dick passed each note in turn to Anstey.

"Your town suhtinly raises real girls!" was the southerner's quiet
comment.

Dick felt like a new being. He was pacing the floor now, but
in no unpleasant agitation.

"Did you impress the girls with the knowledge that I begged them
to go to the hop tonight?" asked Prescott, stopping short and
eyeing Greg.

"Did you think I'd forget half of my errand, old ramrod?" demanded
Holmes indignantly "I delivered your full request, backed by all
that I could add. At first Mrs. Bentley and Laura were shocked at
the very idea. But Belle broke in with: 'If we didn't go, it would
look as if we were in mourning for some one. We're not. We're just
simply sorry that a poor idea of a farce keeps dear old Dick from
being with us tonight. If we don't go, Dick Prescott will be more