om, putting his
bouquet in his buttonhole and letting Nellie pin it fast.

"That was Dora's idea," answered the big brother.

"I thought it would brighten things up," said Dora. "It's our first
dinner together since--since--you know," and she blushed prettily.

"Since the wedding feast," said Sam. "Well, it's just A, Number One!
Couldn't be better!"

"That's what!" cried Tom.

Dick and Dora had ordered the dinner with care, so there was a
well-selected course, starting with tomato bisque soup and ending with
ice-cream and crackers, cheese and coffee. They had some dainty fish
and an extra tenderloin steak, and it is perhaps needless to state that
the boys did full justice to all that was set before them, and the
girls also ate heartily, for all were still in their growing years.
Tom created some fun by sticking some stalks of celery in the big
center bouquet on the sly and then asking Dora what sort of flowers she
had ordered mixed in. And Nellie told Dick he ought to make a speech
and he said he'd leave that to Tom, whereupon the irrepressible Tom
said he would deliver a lecture on 'How to Cook for Two Alone' if Dick
and Dora wanted to listen. Then the fun became general and lasted long
after the meal was over.

It was moonlight outside and presently all went to the broad veranda of
the hotel. Tom naturally paired off with Nellie and Sam with Grace,
and Dick and Dora wisely kept out of the way.

"We had our day, now let them have theirs," said Dick, to his bride.

"By all means, Dick," returned Dora, with a smile that made him pinch
her arm. "But listen, dear," she added, in a whisper. "Did you--did
you notice Tom?"

"Yes."

"He tries to keep up, but he isn't himself at all."

"I know it, and so does Sam, and, I might as well admit it, Dora, both
of us are a good deal worried," replied the young husband, gravely.

CHAPTER VII

COLLEGE DAYS

Sam and Grace sat in a corner of the piazza for the best part of half
an hour, and during that time the girl told of her various doings at
Hope and about the news from home, and Sam related what had occurred at
Brill, omitting, however, to tell how Tom had sent Spud and Stanley
into the old well hole. There was a good deal of nonsense added to the
conversation, and it must be admitted that Sam held Grace's hand as
much as she would permit. They also spoke about the wedding of Dick
and Dora, and of the good times they had enjoyed on that occasion.