"Oh, Ralph, of course I care. It's all my fault. I knew Dick loved me. I guess I've always known it, and last April, when he was home for the spring vacation, I promised him that--Oh, I don't remember just what I did promise, but I do know that I haven't written often of late, and I guess he thinks I don't care any more; and maybe that's why he's going away; but I do care, and, oh, Ralph, I can't let him go without telling him. I always meant to tell him when he came home from college. I thought we were too young to be really engaged until then. Dick has been so patient, waiting all these years, and loving me so truly and so loyally. Can't we stop him, or--at least can't we see him before he sails?"