"Yes, I daresay. But even then, why should you want to resign a handsome independence as soon as you have got it? Is there anything else so good within your reach?" "There is the church, of course," said John. "But Miss Nellie seems to think that ridiculous--" "Never mind Nellie," answered Mrs. Goddard. "Seriously, Mr. Short, do you approve of entering the church merely as a profession, a means of earning money?" "Well--no--I did not put it in that way. But many people do." "That does not prove that it is either wise or decent," said Mrs. Goddard. "If you felt impelled to take orders from other motives, it would be different. As I understand you, you are choosing a profession for the sake of becoming independent." "Certainly," said John. "Well, then, there is nothing better for you to do than to get a fellowship and hold it as long as you can, and during that time you can make up your mind." She spoke with conviction, and the plan seemed good. "But I cannot imagine," she continued, "why you should ask my advice." "And not to marry?" inquired John nervously. "There is plenty of time to think of that when you are thirty--even five and thirty is not too late." "Dear me!" exclaimed John, "I think that is much too old!" "Do you call me old?" asked Mrs. Goddard serenely. "I was thirty-one on my last birthday." For the twentieth time, John felt himself growing uncomfortably hot. Not only had he said an unconscionably stupid thing, but Mrs. Goddard, after advising him not to marry for ten years, had almost hinted that she might meanwhile be married herself. What else could she mean by the remark? But John was hardly a responsible being on that day. His views of life and his understanding were equally disturbed. "No indeed," he protested on hearing her confession of age. "No indeed--why, you are the youngest person I ever saw, of course. But with men--it is quite different." "Is it? I always thought women were supposed to grow old faster than men. That is the reason why women always marry men so much older than themselves." "Oh--in that case--I have nothing more to say," replied John in very indistinct tones. The perspiration was standing upon his forehead; the room swam with him and he felt a terrible, prickly sensation all over his body. "Mamma, shan't I open the door? Mr. Short is so very hot," said Nellie looking at him in some astonishment. At that moment John felt as though he could have eaten little Nellie, long legs, ringlets and all, with infinite satisfaction. He rose suddenly to his feet. "The fact is--it is late--I must really be saying good-bye," he stammered. "Must you?" said Mrs. Goddard, suspecting that something was the matter. "Well, I am very sorry to say good-bye. But you will be coming back soon, will you not?" "Yes--I don't know--perhaps I shall not come back at all. Good-bye--Mrs. Goddard--good-bye, Miss Nellie."