Where would Dora be then?
He did not like the thought--it perplexed him.

Short as was the time he had known her, Dora had, in some mysterious way, grown to be a part of himself.

He could not think of a day wherein he should not see her blushing, pretty face, and hear the music of her words.

He was startled, and clasped her little hands more tightly within his own.
"You would not like to lose me, Dora ?" he said, gently.
"No," she replied; and then tears fell from her dark eyes.
Poor Ronald! Had he been wise, he would have flown then; but he bent his head over her, and kissed the tears away.

The pretty rounded cheek, so soft and child-like, he kissed again, and then clasped the slight girlish figure in his arms.
"Do not shed another tear, Dora," he whispered; "we will not lose each other.