"If I'm not lost in the ocean in the meanwhile," she added, lightly.
"Linda, that reminds me—" He pulled her down to the bench again. "I know you're counting on trying for that prize—oh, don't deny it, for I saw the excitement in your eyes that day Bob Hulbert made the announcement—but I don't think you can hope to win, even if you do get hold of another plane.... I'm afraid that Hulbert woman is going to beat you to it."
"Why, Ralph?" asked Linda, seeing that it was useless to deny her desire.
"Because I believe she's planning to fly soon."
"What with?"
"She's gone to England to have a special plane made.... I'll tell you a secret, if you promise not to breathe it to Kitty that I told you: Sis lent her her pearls, so that Miss Hulbert could raise a loan for the price of the plane."
"Oh, no!" cried Linda, shocked for Kitty's sake, as well as for her own and Louise's.
"Yes, she did. I saw Miss Hulbert take away a box yesterday, and I questioned Kitty. So she told me why."
"Then," concluded Linda, dolefully, "I guess that settles it!"
"So you might as well give up aviation and marry me!"