"There is something better than money. Something I'd rather have than all the gold I have come in possession of."
"What is that?"
"It's your love, Madge," he replied earnestly.
"Oh, Dick!" she cried blushingly.
"Have I got it, or have I dreamed in vain?"
He put his arm around her waist and she did not draw back. Dick did not return to New York by the early train on Monday morning, as he had arranged to do, instead of which he went to Carlin with Mr. Mason in the auto and placed the money in the Carlin National Bank, receiving therefor a draft on a bank in New York for the amount. Then he sent off two telegrams—one to the manager of the store, the other to his mother. The first read: "Will report Tuesday morning."
The second was worded: "I've found the fortune. Will be home to-night in time for dinner." Then he returned to the house to take lunch with the Masons. On the road he confessed to Mr. Mason that he loved Madge, and that she reciprocated his affection.
"I want you to sanction our engagement, with a view to our marriage as soon as she shall have graduated from Vassar."
"Ask her mother, my boy," said the gentleman. "As far as I am concerned, you need fear no obstacle from me."
While they were away, Madge sought her mother and told her that Dick had asked her to marry him four years hence when she had completed her education. Then Mrs. Mason kissed her daughter and told her that she and Mr. Mason were both well disposed toward Dick, and they were perfectly satisfied to receive him into the family at the proper time as their son-in-law.