"I'd like to stay, but we've got to make the trip before it gets too dark," added Tom.
"Just as you say," answered Dick, although he did not, just then, see how he was going to tear himself away.
But the boys did not leave for a good quarter of an hour, and during that time, Dick and Dora somehow managed to walk to the end of the campus, where there were big clumps of rose bushes and lilac shrubbery. Once in the shadow of these Dick pulled something from a pocket and held it out to Dora.
"If we are going to be regularly engaged, you must have this," he said.
"Oh, Dick, a diamond ring!" she cried, as the glint of the jewel caught her eyes.
"Hold out your hand, dear," he said, and when she held it out he placed the ring on her finger. Then he took her in his arms.
"Mine, Dora, mine, always and forever mine!"
"Always and forever, Dick!" she answered. And then they kissed each other.
When they rejoined the others each felt as if walking on air.
"But the ring—they'll be sure to see it, Dick!" whispered Dora.
"If they don't I shall be disappointed," he answered.
