"Where did you get such an idea, Ruth?" "From seeing the people you married this morning. You said marriage was a beautiful thing." "So it is. So it is. But that was very different. Only grown people marry, so run away, children. I have no time for play this morning." And he turned away and sat down at his desk. "But, Mr. Heywood," said Cyrus, "this is not play. This is important." "Important? Why important, Cyrus?" "'Cause Ruth wants it." This time Mr. Heywood smiled. "That's a good sentiment, Cyrus. It shows a kind regard for the lady. But run away, both of you. I am very busy this morning." "But, Mr. Heywood," said Cyrus, "what's Ruth done that she should be punished and not have what she wants, and wants ever so much?" "How punished?" "By not getting what she wants." "And what do you say she wants?" "Me." The father laughed. "Oh, it's you she wants, is it?" "Yes, sir." Mr. Heywood drew a hand slowly across his mouth as he looked inquiringly at Ruth. Ruth smiled and nodded. "Yes, sir." Her father also nodded as in polite recognition of her wishes. Turning to Cyrus, he inquired, "What are you going to live on? What is going to be your business?" "I'm going to be a discoverer, like Columbus." "I am afraid there won't be much left to discover by the time you are a man--not on this earth, at least. The big continents are already discovered." "But there will be new countries at the bottom of the sea, and under the earth and on the moon, and such places." "On _such_ places! Dear me, Cyrus, do you think of taking your wife to the moon?" "Yes, sir." "But how will you be supporting Ruth all that time? A husband should be earning money." "Oh, that part'll be all right! I'm going to be a train robber." "A train robber!" "Yes, sir." Mr. Heywood whistled softly and looked at his daughter. "Well--now--is that a nice business, Ruth, for a model husband? Do you want to marry a train robber?" Ruth smiled and nodded. "Yes, I shall always like Cyrus and whatever he does." "But suppose Cyrus is imprisoned for life, or hanged, as often happens to train robbers?" Cyrus interrupted, and spoke contemptuously. "No, I shan't be that kind! It's only the stupid ones that's caught!" Mr. Heywood closed his eyes for a moment and appeared to be thinking it over. "Of course, it's possible,--just possible, that you may change your mind as you get older." "No, sir. 'Cause a man gets lots of money that way and gets it quick and easy. And there'll be jewelry, too. I shall give the jewelry to Ruth." "And I," said Ruth, "shall give lots of it to mother. Mother likes jewelry." "Yes," said Mr. Heywood, "most women do. But isn't stolen jewelry a little----" Again Cyrus interrupted. "But that won't be stolen jewelry. When you steal anything you get it when the other feller isn't looking--kind of sneakin'. I shall take it right before their faces." "Yes, but you threaten to kill them if they resist. That's robbery, isn't it?"