ong ones. And then, Dora, that would help out
another way," went on Dick in a lower voice, and looking over his
shoulder to make sure that the others were not listening. But the others
had walked off to the rear of the big biplane.

"Another way? How?" And Dora looked at him wonderingly.

"Oh, you know well enough."

"No, I don't," she replied; but two bright spots began to show in her
pretty cheeks, making her prettier than ever.

"Well, I made up my mind that as soon as I left college I was going to
get married," Dick went on, looking her full in the eyes.

"Oh, Dick!" And now she cast her eyes on the ground.

"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, Dick,--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, Dick, 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, Dick, 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, w