ora looked down, and her hand trembled in his as she sought for words to
explain a situation which was hardly explainable.

"Well--you see--Dick--they told me you were dead. We all gave you up as a
lost hero."

"Yet, before the grass had grown over my supposed grave, you were ready
to transfer your love to--that cad."

"Not my love, Dick--not my love! Believe me, I was broken-hearted. They
said dreadful things about you, and I couldn't prove them untrue, and I
didn't want everybody to think--Well, father pressed it. I was utterly
wretched. I knew I should never love anybody else, dearest--nobody else
in the world, and I didn't care whom I married."

It was the sweetest reasoning, and of that peculiarly feminine order
which the inherent vanity of man cannot resist. Dick's only rebuke was a
kiss.

"Well, Dora, I'm not a marrying man, now. I'm not even respectable. As
soon as I'm well, I've got to disappear again. But the idea of your
marrying Ormsby--"

"It's off, Dick--off! I gave him his dismissal the moment I heard--"

"Did your father tell you I was alive?"

"No, your grandfather told me."

"Ye gods! You don't mean to say you've seen him!"

"Yes, Dick, and I think he's the dearest old man alive. He was most
charming. He isn't really a bit horrid. My letter dismissing Mr. Ormsby
was posted at his own request. So, if you want me, Dick, I am yours
still. More wonderful still, he told me things I could hardly believe."

"He's a frightful old liar, is grandfather."

"I don't think he was lying, Dick. You'll laugh at his latest
eccentricity. He told me he would alter his will and leave everything to
me--not to you--to me."

"But why?"

"Well, I suppose--I suppose that he thought--"

Dora played with the fringe of the rug on Dick's knee as she still knelt
by his side, and seemed embarrassed.

"I think I understand," laughed Dick. "He's taken a fancy to you."

"Yes, Dick, I think he has. It is because he thinks--that you have taken
a fancy to me--that--oh, well, can't you understand?"

She rested her cheek against his, and, as he folded her to his heart, he
understood.

"So, grandfather has turned matchmaker. I'll warrant he thinks you are a
skinflint, and will take care of his money."

"That's it, Dick. He thinks I'm the most economical person. I saw him
looking at my dress, a cheap, tweed walking affair. Oh, good gracious, if
he had seen my wardrobe at home, or the housekeeping and the stable
accou