e've got to get back, that is all there is to it," came from Sam
loudly. He could not help but notice how confidential Dick 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 Dick, 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, Dick 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 Dick 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, Dick, 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, Dick!" she answered. And then they kissed each
other.

When they rejoined the others each felt as if walking on air.

"But the ring--they'll be sure to see it, Dick!" whispered Dora.

"If they don't I shall be disappointed," he answered.

It was Grace who espied the glittering circlet first and she uttered a
slight shriek. Then she pointed it out to her sister.

"A diamond ring--an engagement ring!" she cried.

"Oh, how lovely!" exclaimed Nellie.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the future Mrs. Dick Rover!" said Dick, just a
bit awkwardly, while Dora blushed the color of a peony.

"Oh, Dora!" cried Grace and Nellie, in chorus, and then each kissed her.

"I thought I smelt a mouse," murmured Sam.

"Hail to the bride!" cried Tom. "Say, Dick, isn't it proper to salute
your future sister-in-law?" he went on, with a broad grin.

"I don't know--better ask her," replied Dick, good-naturedly, and then
Tom kissed Dora, and Sam did the same thing. After that Tom declared he
ought to kiss the "bride-to-be's cousins," and started in, and Sam
followed.

"Here, you kids break away!" cried Dick finally. "I thought you said we
had to get back before dark."

"'Kids' indeed!" snorted Tom. "My, how old we've gotten since we're
engaged!" And then he grinned more than ever. "But never mind," he went
on to Nellie, in a whisper. "Just you wait and see the diamond ring I
get you one of these days." And this remark made Nellie blush as
deeply as had