Page:The Mystery of Central Park.djvu/63

Rh he felt as desolate as Adam must have done before Eve came.

"Penelope, girlie," he said, with a sudden hope, "could we not be engaged while I am working on this case? It would not embarrass you in any way, for we only need tell your aunt, and it would be such help, such encouragement, such happiness, sweet to me. You see it may take months to solve this mystery." Poor Richard thought it would take years. "And if I only knew, darling, that I had your promise, I could do so much. It would help me to conquer the world. Don't be hard-hearted, dear; don't be cruel to the one who loves you more than anything on earth or in heaven."

"No, no, Dick, you must wait," said Penelope. "Wait until the mystery is solved, it shouldn't take you a great while"—(Richard sighed)— "and then, and then—"

"Then?" repeated Dick, questioningly.