But at any rate, I will promise to come back, at the end of ten months from the present time, so as to say goodbye to you, before you start." The girl's face brightened.
"Thank you, Dick.

I don't think I should go, anyhow, until I saw you again--not even if I got a letter saying that I was to sail by the next ship." "My uncle would take you down bodily, and put you on board," Dick laughed.

"Mind, Annie, when I come back, at the end of ten months, I shall expect to find you quite an educated young lady.

I shall think of all sorts of hard questions, in geography and history, to put to you." "I will try hard, Dick, really hard, to please you.

I have had three lessons, and I have learnt all the letters quite well." "That is a good beginning, Annie.