"Why, yes, dear, I believe so; but Dick put so many new ideas into my head that I didn't know how the time passed," replied John, wondering how he should speak of his new plans to Ruth. "What sort of ideas, John?" "He's been talking of Australia, and saying there's no place like it for getting on in the world, and, of course, he's likely to know; and, Ruthie, dear, he said if I would go back with him, he'd put me in the way of making money, and getting a home ready for you in no time." Ruth took her hand out of John's, and stared fixedly into the fire. "Can't you say something, Ruth?" asked John, after waiting several minutes. Ruth breathed hard. "What do you say, John? Do you want to go?" "I don't want to leave you, darling, but if you'd promise to come out to me, I think it would be a good thing for both of us. I could get on so much better, and we could marry so much quicker than if I plodded on at the rate I'm going now." "Then," said Ruth, looking up with a brave smile upon her white face, "you must go, John, and when you send for me I'll come out to you." "Bless you, my dear, brave girl, you shall never repent your decision," cried John. "I'll work harder than ever, and we'll soon be together again, never to say good-bye." But at that dread word, Ruth's composure gave way, and she hid her face. "Don't take on so, Ruthie. It will only be a short separation, and we're bound to each other for life," said John, trying to soothe her. "I've no fear in letting you go from me, John," answered Ruth, proudly, through her tears; "and after you're once gone, I shall look forward to seeing you again." And the lump in Ruth's throat was choked back, and she sat up with an air that was plainly intended to carry a warning to any rebellious tears that might threaten. "And now, John, tell me about your brother. Is he like you?" John laughed. "I'm afraid you wouldn't think so, Ruthie, and I can't say Australia has much improved him. However, you must judge for yourself, for I shall take you to see him soon. He sent kind messages to you, and is anxious to make your acquaintance." But Dick was soon dismissed from the conversation, for Ruth and John had much to talk over that was of far more interest even than a brother newly arrived from the other side of the world. Before they parted that night, John had succeeded in imparting to Ruth a little of his own enthusiasm in view of the new life he was about to enter upon, though her last thought before closing her weary eyes in sleep was: "Women feel so differently from men, and I must try and not discourage John by any of my fears, poor boy!" A few days later she accompanied John to his home. "Dick's out, my dear, but he'll be in directly, as he knew you were coming," said Mrs. Greenwood, affectionately greeting Ruth. "He don't care to spend much of his time with his old father and mother, Dick don't," complained Mr. Greenwood.