"So I always supposed—but mother does not think so."
"How is your mother?"
"She is doing nicely, and may be out in a week or two. I am keeping her in as long as possible, so that Josiah Crabtree cannot argue her into going off and getting married."
"You certainly have your hands full, Dora," answered the young cadet. "I wish I could take this burden off your shoulders, indeed I do!" and impulsively he caught up her plump, hand and kissed it.
"Oh!" She snatched the hand away and blushed prettily, but was not angry. "I—I—; it's something to know one has a friend, Dick," she said softly. "Can I come to you if I—that is if I want something done?"
"To be sure, Dora—I'll do anything in the wide world for you there!" and he kissed her hand again.
At that moment an elderly lady who had been hired to wait on Mrs. Stanhope came in, and the conversation was changed. Dora asked about life at the Hall, and Dick told of the football game and of the parts Tom and Sam had played in it.
"You are a great set of boys!" Dora smiled.
"I wish I had a couple of sisters."
"You have your two cousins, Nellie and Grace."