Part 26 (1/2)

”Sure. Don't you think it's a good idea?” he went on, and he caught her hand and held it.

”Oh, I--I----” She blushed more than ever and could not go on.

”I know we are not so very old, Dora, but, on the other hand, we are not so very young either, and I think your mother would approve, and I am sure my father wouldn't object. I know he thinks you are just the finest girl in the whole world,--he said so.”

”Well, mamma likes you, too, d.i.c.k,--she's told me that many times.”

”Then I'm sure she won't object. And, besides, when I'm her son-in-law I'll be able to do a good deal more than I can now--about helping her with her financial affairs, and all that, you know.”

”Yes, I know that, too.”

”And so I think we ought to get married. But, of course, if you object, Dora----”

”Did I object?” And she smiled just a little--a smile that set his heart bounding.

”Then you'll consent?” he asked eagerly. ”Will you? Say yes, won't you?”

And now he had hold of both of her hands and was looking her full in the eyes. ”I want you so much, Dora,--I've wanted you ever since I first met you--on that little steamboat, on the way to Putnam Hall.”

”Oh, d.i.c.k, what an idea! Why, you hardly knew me then!”

”Never mind, I knew you well enough.”

”What a long time ago that was,” murmured the girl. She was still gazing fully into his eyes.

”Yes, it was a long time ago, and yet, somehow, it seems an awfully short time, too. But, Dora, you haven't said yes yet. Won't you please say yes?” he pleaded, in a lower voice, as Tom and the others started to rejoin them.

”Yes,” she murmured, her face becoming a rosy red. ”Yes. Any time you say, d.i.c.k, if mamma is willing.”

”You dear, dear girl!” he cried softly. ”Oh, I just wish I had you all to myself for a moment!” And he gave her a look that spoke volumes.

”Well, we've got to get back, that is all there is to it,” came from Sam loudly. He could not help but notice how confidential d.i.c.k and Dora were becoming.

”I'd like to stay, but we've got to make the trip before it gets too dark,” added Tom.

”Just as you say,” answered d.i.c.k, although he did not, just then, see how he was going to tear himself away.

But the boys did not leave for a good quarter of an hour, and during that time, d.i.c.k and Dora somehow managed to walk to the end of the campus, where there were big clumps of rose bushes and lilac shrubbery.

Once in the shadow of these d.i.c.k pulled something from a pocket and held it out to Dora.

”If we are going to be regularly engaged, you must have this,” he said.

”Oh, d.i.c.k, a diamond ring!” she cried, as the glint of the jewel caught her eyes.

”Hold out your hand, dear,” he said, and when she held it out he placed the ring on her finger. Then he took her in his arms.

”Mine, Dora, mine, always and forever mine!”

”Always, and forever, d.i.c.k!” she answered. And then they kissed each other.