“You surely know my story well enough,” continued Merle, “not to have mistaken me for an heiress. I lost both father and mother when I was a baby. Mrs. Darlington took me to her heart, and no mother could have been dearer and sweeter than she, no sister kinder and more loving than Grace. But I am proud to think they have loved me for my own sake, not for any wealth I might have owned.”
“Then there is no barrier,” cried Dick, as once again he drew her to him. “Unless my poverty is a barrier,” he added. “But won’t I work hard all my life to give you every comfort you can desire!”
“Well, we’ll have a good start at all events,” said Merle, with a merry little upglance.
“How’s that?”
“The ten-thousand-dollar prize for the best plans. Have you forgotten about that already?”
“But it is not won yet.”
“Oh, I have the firm presentiment that you are going to win, Dick, dear. I am sure of it—sure!” she repeated in a tone of conviction.
Her face was aglow and Dick caught the spirit of her enthusiasm.
“Then I’m sure, too. And, by jove, won’t we have one grand honeymoon trip, dearest?”