Sizing up Linda immediately as a girl seriously interested in aviation, he began to talk on that subject, shutting out poor David completely. He told her about his plane, and the trips he had made, and the races he had won.
"But you are a new pilot, aren't you?" he asked her.
"Yes, why?" she asked. "Did I do anything wrong?"
"No, indeed! You fly like an old-timer. But what I mean is, you haven't gone in for any competitions yet, have you? Air-derbys, endurance flights—height records?"
"No, I haven't had time."
"But you will?"
"I don't know. I want to do something. But just what...."
"You have a wonderful opportunity," continued Roger. "Because you have ambition, and time, and youth—and enough money to back you." He paused to eat a generous slice of roast-beef. Unlike David, who was staring moodily at his plate and playing with his food, Roger ate with enormous appetite. "You see, the trouble with most of us is, that we haven't the time and the money. And the very rich are seldom ambitious."
"I am hoping to do something next year," Linda announced, slowly. "But not until I study some more."