"Yes; but I'd not mind that--I have a pretty good education even now, and I could study in my spare moments. I could take a short course, instead of one of the long 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.
"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."
"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!"
"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.