"Why, you have $100 and a piece of property estimated to be worth $250, and which is likely to increase in value as you grow older." "Suppose it's worth $500 when I get to be twenty-one, that won't make me wealthy, even with the $100 and the interest on top of it." "No, but it'll start you on the road to wealth." "Maybe it will, and maybe it won't," laughed Dick. "You may become wealthy long before I get within hailing distance of big money." "Nonsense! I haven't got a cent." "I know. You girls never have a cent left out of your princely wages, for you spend it all on glad rags in the hope of capturing a husband who will consider it an honor to pay all your bills, furnish you with a fine house, an auto to ride about in, and other et ceteras too numerous to mention." "Aren't you the horrid boy to say such a thing!" "Isn't it the truth?" "Indeed, it isn't. I never expect to get married." "You don't? Oh, come now, don't get off such whoppers or the bogie man will get you when you aren't looking." "One must have a beau first, and you know I haven't acquired such a luxury yet." "What's the matter with the gent in the tall dicer and lavender kids who calls on you regularly every week, and takes you out to the theater and entertainments? Mr. Clarence Peck. He's clerk in a broker's office, with prospects of advancement, and expectations from two maiden aunts." His sister blushed vividly, and looked a bit confused. "Mr. Peck is merely a friend," she said. "Well, he thinks a lot of you." "How do you know?" said his sister, with another blush. "He didn't tell me so, I admit, but actions speak louder even than his lavender kids." "I wish you wouldn't make fun of his gloves. I think they are the proper thing for him to wear." Dick chuckled. "He seems to be rather bashful, though. If I visited a girl as long as he has been coming here to see you, I would propose and have it over with." "Don't be too sure that you would. Mr. Peck is not bashful; he is only a little diffident. He is very clever, but I sometimes fear that he lets his light shine under a bushel." "What has a bushel got to do with him? It takes two pecks to make one, and he's only one Peck." "Aren't you smart! I think we'd better change the subject." "Sure I'm smart. I've proved that by helping to catch three crooks and send them to State prison. I think it's about time I shook these knickerbockers and got into trousers. I'm getting tired of being taken for a twelve-year-old kid." "Why, the idea! You look real cute in knee pants. Mr. Peck says----" "Cut out what Mr. Half Bushel says. I'm the party to be pleased. I've got a girl now, so it's time----" "A girl!" exclaimed his sister, evidently astonished. "Why not? Got any objection?" asked Dick aggressively. "When did this happen? Who is she?" "She's an heiress. You don't suppose I would consider any girl who hadn't prospects, do you?" grinned Dick.