As you have taken her
guardian's place, madam, and you, sir, are the head of the house, I
should like to think we have your approval."

"How formal, Dick!" Mrs. Keith laughed. "I imagine that my consent is
very much a matter of form, but I give it with the greatest
satisfaction."

Challoner put one arm round Millicent.

"My dear, I am very glad, and I think Dick has shown great wisdom. I
wish you both all happiness."

Mrs. Foster and her husband offered their congratulations, and for the
next hour they discussed Blake's future plans. Then they were
interrupted by the entrance of a servant with a small silver tray.

"Cablegram, sir, for Mr. Blake," he said. "Hopkins was at the
post-office, and they gave it to him."

Blake took the envelope and looked at Miss Challoner for permission to
open it. When he had read it, he started, and gave the cablegram to
Millicent.

"Oh, Dick!" she cried with sparkling eyes. "How splendid!"

Blake explained to the others.

"It's from my partner in Canada, and I'm sure you'll be interested to
bear it." He read the message aloud: "'_Come. Struck it. Tell
Challoner._'"

He folded the paper and replaced it in its envelope. "I don't
understand the last part of it," he said to Challoner. "Why does he
wish you to know?"

The Colonel chuckled.

"I sent Mr. Harding five hundred pounds to buy anything he needed for
his prospecting, and told him to give me an option on a good block of
shares in the new syndicate at par. You're very independent, Dick, but
I can't see why you should object to your relatives putting money into
what looks like a promising thing."

"I've no doubt it was mainly through your help that Harding found the
oil," Blake said gratefully.

Soon afterward the Fosters rose to go, but they waited a few moments in
the hall while Millicent lingered with Blake in the drawing-room.

"Dick," she said, blushing in a way that he thought quite charming,
"you made a rash statement. I didn't really promise to marry you as
soon as you came back."

"Then it was understood," Blake answered firmly. "And I shan't let you
off."

"Well, if it will bring you home any quicker, dear! But how long must
you stay?"

"I can't tell; there may be much to do. If Harding needs me, I must
see him out. But I won't delay a minute more than's needful, you may
be sure! You know we may have to live in Canada?"

"I won't object. Where you are will be home," she said shyly;