It was a home question, and went deeper than Philip knew, for Ruth at once thought of practicing her profession among the young gentlemen and ladies of her acquaintance in the village; but she was reluctant to admit to herself that her notions of a career had undergone any change.

“Oh, I don’t think I should come to Fallkill to practice, but I must do something when I am through school; and why not medicine?”

Philip would like to have explained why not, but the explanation would be of no use if it were not already obvious to Ruth.

Harry was equally in his element whether instructing Squire Montague about the investment of capital in Missouri, the improvement of Columbus River, the project he and some gentlemen in New York had for making a shorter Pacific connection with the Mississippi than the present one; or diverting Mrs. Montague with his experience in cooking in camp; or drawing for Miss Alice an amusing picture of the social contrasts of New England and the border where he had been.  Harry was a very entertaining fellow, having his imagination to help his memory, and telling his stories as if he believed them—­as perhaps he did.  Alice was greatly amused with Harry and listened so seriously to his romancing that he exceeded his usual limits.  Chance allusions to his bachelor establishment in town and the place of his family on the Hudson, could not have been made by a millionaire, more naturally.

“I should think,” queried Alice, “you would rather stay in New York than to try the rough life at the West you have been speaking of.”

“Oh, adventure,” says Harry, “I get tired of New York.  And besides I got involved in some operations that I had to see through.  Parties in New York only last week wanted me to go down into Arizona in a big diamond interest.  I told them, no, no speculation for me.  I’ve got my interests in Missouri; and I wouldn’t leave Philip, as long as he stays there.”

When the young gentlemen were on their way back to the hotel, Mr. Philip, who was not in very good humor, broke out,

“What the deuce, Harry, did you go on in that style to the Montagues for?”

“Go on?” cried Harry.  “Why shouldn’t I try to make a pleasant evening?  And besides, ain’t I going to do those things?  What difference does it make about the mood and tense of a mere verb?  Didn’t uncle tell me only last Saturday, that I might as well go down to Arizona and hunt for diamonds?  A fellow might as well make a good impression as a poor one.”

“Nonsense.  You’ll get to believing your own romancing by and by.”

“Well, you’ll see.  When Sellers and I get that appropriation, I’ll show you an establishment in town and another on the Hudson and a box at the opera.”

“Yes, it will be like Col.  Sellers’ plantation at Hawkeye.  Did you ever see that?”

“Now, don’t be cross, Phil.  She’s just superb, that little woman.  You never told me.”