It was a sincere compliment and Jane glowed inwardly. She had been so anxious to make a good impression on her first flight.
At Cleveland another message from New York reassured Mrs. Van Verity Vanness and again she was shielded from reporters. No one was allowed out on the ramp, but cameras clicked as Jane stepped out of the cabin for a breath of air. Then they were racing eastward again, with the next stop the Newark airport.
They flew high over the rugged Alleghenies and then dropped down over Jersey toward the metropolis. The end of the long flight was near and Jane felt greatly relieved.
Mrs. Van Verity Vanness summoned her as they swung over the Newark airport.
“Wouldn’t you like to join me, traveling as my nurse and companion?” she asked.
It was a question that left Jane speechless. She had never considered such a possibility.
“As soon as my son is well, I plan to leave on a round-the-world trip. We would be gone a year.”
It was a tempting offer, almost irresistible, but the zest of flying was deep in Jane and she shook her head.
“I don’t believe I would be happy leaving the air line now,” she said. “There seems to be a real future for girls in aviation and I want to make the most of my opportunity.”
The other woman sighed. “I was afraid that would be your answer and you are probably right. But I’ve grown dreadfully fond of you. If there is anything I can do at any time, don’t hesitate to call on me.”