with her, and so unlike the easy Dick of
old. "I am not a bit sorry: I would not have spoiled your holiday for
worlds."

"My holiday!--a precious holiday it was without you! A lot of stupid
climbing, with grinning idiots for company. Well, never mind that,"
his wrathful tone changing in a moment. "So you kept me in the dark
just for my own good?"

"Yes, of course, Dick. What an unnecessary question!"

"And you wanted me, Nan?"

"Yes," very faintly, and there was a little tear-drop on one of Nan's
lashes.

She had been so miserable,--how miserable he would never know; but he
need not have asked her that.

"Oh, very well: then I won't bother you with any more questions. Now
we understand each other, and can just go to business."

Nan looked up in his face in alarm. She anticipated another lecture,
but nothing of the sort came. Dick cleared his throat, got a little
red, and went on.

"I say settle our business, because we have been as good as engaged
all these years. You know you belong to me, Nan?"

"Yes, Dick," she returned, obediently; for she was too much taken by
surprise to know what she ought to say, and the two words escaped from
her almost unconsciously.

"There never was a time we were not fond of each other,--ever since
you were so high," pointing to what would represent the height of an
extremely dwarfish infant of seven or eight months.

"Oh, not so long ago as that," returned Nan, laughing a little.

"Quite as long," repeated Dick, solemnly. "I declare, I have been so
fond of you all my life, Nan, that I have been the happiest fellow in
the world. Now, look here; just say after me, 'Dick, I promise on my
word and honor to marry you.'"

Nan repeated the words, and then she paused in affright.

"But your father!" she gasped,--"and the dressmaking! Oh, Dick! what
have you made me say? You have startled me into forgetting everything.
Oh, dear! oh, dear! what shall I do?" continued Nan, in the most
innocent way. "We shall be engaged all our lives, for he will never
allow you to marry me. Dick, dear Dick, please let me off! I never
meant to give in like this."

"Never mind what you meant to do," returned Dick, with the utmost
gravity: "the thing is, you have done it. On your word and honor, Nan,
remember. Now we are engaged."

"Oh, but Dick, please don't take such advantage of me, just because I
said--or, at least, you said--I was fond of you. What will mother say?
She will be so dreadfully s