"Yes, but they are not as intimate as sisters would be—although they are the best of cousins."
"What does Mr. Laning say of Crabtree?" Dick whispered, as the nurse left the room for a moment.
"Uncle does not like him, but he says the whole matter is none of his affair—and mother must do as she thinks best."
It was now growing late, and Dick took his departure, kissing Dora's hand a third time as they stood in the darkness of the porch. "You're terrible!" she murmured, but it is doubtful if she meant anything by it. Girls and boys are about the same the world over and Dick's regard for Dora was of the manly sort that is creditable to anybody.
CHAPTER XVIII
WINTER SPORTS
"Hurrah, boys, the ice is forming just as fast as it can! We'll have skating in twenty-four hours!"
It was Sam who came rushing into the gymnasium with the news. The place was crowded at the time, for it was too cold to play on the grounds outside.
"Skating!" cried Tom. "That just suits me. I wonder if I brought my skates along?"
"You didn't," answered Sam. "Neither did I."