The girl’s lips curled scornfully, as if she impugned this statement; but she remained silent for a while before continuing her catechism. Then she asked:
“Do you mean to try flying?”
“Perhaps so, some day,” said Orissa, smiling; “when aëroplanes have become so common that my fears are dissipated. But, really, I haven’t given the matter a thought. That is Steve’s business, just now. All I’m trying to do is help him get ready.”
“You believe his device to be practical?”
“It’s the best I have ever seen, and I’ve examined all the famous aëroplanes.”
“What has my father to do with this invention?”
Orissa was surprised.
“Hasn’t he told you?” she asked.
“Only that it ‘interests him;’ but many things do that.”
“We needed money to complete the aircraft, and Mr. Cumberford kindly let us have it,” explained the girl.