After that, they sat around and talked. Doris was induced to sing and they all joined in, even Marshmallow, whose voice was gruff and seldom on the right key. “It’s that last sandwich pressing against my larynx,” he apologized. “Doris, you have a wonderful voice,” Dave praised soberly. “I suppose you’ve been told that by every one.” “Not by every one,” Doris laughed. “It will probably take years before my voice develops to its fullest capacity. That’s what my teacher says.” “You’re dead set upon a career, aren’t you?” Dave asked, a strange light shining in his eyes as he gazed thoughtfully at her curly head. “Oh, yes. I want to sing in Grand Opera some day. Perhaps my ambitions are greater than my ability!” “No, you’ll make it, and if that’s what you want, more power to you!” Doris glanced quickly at her friend, and as quickly turned away as she saw the expression on his face. She was further embarrassed as she realized that Marshmallow and Kitty were aware of what had been passing through Dave’s mind. Hastily she arose. “Don’t you think we’d better be starting back? Dave and Marshmallow have a long drive ahead of them and it’s getting late.” “We haven’t eaten all of the sandwiches yet,” Marshmallow protested. “Then hurry and we’ll wait for you.” “But I can’t now. Oh, well, I suppose we can cart them home. Maybe Dave and I can eat them on the way back to Chilton.” “You mean _you_ can,” Dave corrected. As they were driving slowly back toward the mansion, Doris thought of Ronald Trent, and frowned. For the last few hours she had been having so much fun that she had not once considered the problem which troubled her, but now she decided to mention the matter to Dave. Perhaps he could offer helpful advice. Accordingly, she told him of the proposition which the Misses Gates had made. Dave listened quietly until she had finished. “It may be all right,” he said, “but it sounds sort of queer to me. I don’t like that fellow Trent.” “He’s my cousin, Dave.” “Better not own him!” “Well, I haven’t exactly,” Doris admitted. “It’s hard to believe he really is a relative of mine.” “I suppose he’ll be at the mansion when we get back,” Kitty sighed. “And he’ll want his answer about the loan. Oh, dear, I don’t know what to do. I think I’ll have Jake bring it to the mansion.” “Not a bad idea,” Dave approved. “And I’ll come along to chaperone him,” Marshmallow interposed. “He wouldn’t know what to do with so many ladies. He’ll need me to help him handle the situation masterfully.” “Do come,” Doris urged. “Just leave it to me,” ejaculated Marshmallow, throwing out his chest manfully, and displaying the cords of muscles in his upper arm, rolling up his sleeve playfully. “How’s that?” “Say, Marshmallow, you’ve got a good opinion of yourself, haven’t you? Especially after eating all those sandwiches. My, but wouldn’t I hate to get into a fight with you!” and Dave jokingly jostled him as though to test his skill as a fighter.