consider any girl who hadn't prospects, do you?" grinned Dick.

"Tell me her name," asked his sister, with an air of inquisitive interest.

"Sorry, but I couldn't think of giving away such a valuable secret."

"Oh, I know—I know!" cried his sister, clapping her hands. "If you aren't the sly rogue! It's Madge Mason, the girl you've been talking so much about since you got home from your visit to her parents' home."

"Well, keep it dark, sis," said Dick, with a flush.

"Oh, I couldn't think of it. I must tell Nell and May and mother."

"You tell them and I'll get square with you. The next time Mr. Peck calls I'll tell him how much you're stuck on him, and then maybe he'll get up spunk enough to propose to you."

"You wouldn't dare, Richard Darling!" cried his sister, with a burning face.

"I wouldn't? Well, say, you don't know me! It's up to you. Keep mum about Miss Mason and I'll be good; otherwise—you know what'll happen."

Then Dick walked out of the room, satisfied that his sister would be as mute as a mop stick.