"Is it decided?" said Tough in consternation.
"Unless stocks take a turn," said Dink.
McCarty was heartbroken, Dink rather pleased, with the new role that, somehow, lifted him from his fellows in dignity and seriousness and seemed to cut down the seven years. All that week he waited hopefully for her answer. She must understand now the inflexibility of his character and the intensity of his devotion. His letter told everything, and yet in such a delicate manner that she must honor him the more for the generous way in which he took everything upon himself, offered everything and asked nothing. He was so confidently happy and elated with the vexed decision of his affairs that he even took the Millionaire Baby over to the Jigger Shop and stood treat, after a few words of paternal advice which went unheeded.
Toward the beginning of the third week in the early days of November, as the squad was returning from practice Tough said casually:
"I say, did you get a letter from Sis?"
"No," said Dink with difficulty.
"You probably have one at the house. She's engaged."
"What?" said Dink faintly. The word seemed to be spoken from another mouth.
"Engaged to that Ver Plank fellow that was hanging around. I think he's a mutt."
"Oh, yes—Ver Plank."