“I know it, Dick—and now I want to come to business!”
“Eh! how do you mean?” he said, looking puzzled.
Then I told him of the school project, and that I was going to London after another day to arrange it. He was delighted, and quite approved.
“It is the wisest thing I ever heard of!” was his comment. “But how do you mean about business?” he asked.
“Dick, this has all to be done; and it needs some one to do it. I am not a scientist nor an engineer, and this project wants the aid of both, or of one man who is the two. Will you do it for me—and for Norah?”
He seemed staggered for a moment, but said heartily:
“That I will—but it will take some time!”
“We can do it within two years,” I answered, “and that is the time that Norah will be away. It will help to pass it!” and I sighed.
“A long time, indeed, but oh, what a time, Art! Just fancy what you are waiting for; there need be no unhappy moment, please God, in all those months.”
Then I made him a proposition, to which he, saying that my offer was too good, at first demurred. I reasoned with him, and told him that the amount was little to me, as, thanks to my Great Aunt, I had more than I ever could use; and that I wanted to make Norah’s country home a paradise on earth—so far as love and work and the means at command could do it; that it would take up all Dick’s time, and keep him for the whole period from pursuing his studies; and that he would have to be manager as well as engineer, and would have to buy the land for me. I told him also my secret hope that in time he would take all my affairs in hand and manage everything for me.