The time was drawing near for Benjamin to leave for England; and there was one thing above all others, that he wished to do, viz.: to be betrothed to Deborah Read. They had fallen in love with each other, but were not engaged. He had not opened the subject to her parents; but he must, if he would win her hand before going to England. So he ventured. "Both of you are too young," replied Deborah's mother. "You are only eighteen! You can not tell what changes may occur before you are old enough to be married." "But that need not interfere with an engagement," suggested Benjamin. "We only pledge each to the other against the time we are ready to be married. Sometimes parties are engaged for years before they are married." "It is not a good plan, however. And why, Benjamin, do you deem an engagement necessary in the circumstances?" "Simply because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," answered Benjamin, laughing. Mrs. Read laughed, too. "I have not quite satisfied myself that it is best to give up my daughter to a printer," she added. "How so?" inquired Benjamin with some anxiety. "Because there are already several printing houses in the country, and I doubt whether another can be supported." "If I can not support her by the printing business, then I will do it by some other," responded Benjamin, emphatically. "I do not call in question your good intentions, by any means; but you may not realize the fulfillment of your hopes. I think you had better leave the matter as it is until you return from England, and see how you are prospered." "Of course, I shall yield to your judgment in the matter," said Benjamin, very politely, "though I shall be somewhat disappointed." "You and Deborah can have such understanding with each other as you wish; but I object to a formal engagement. Leave that until you return." Mrs. Read was decided in her opinions. Her husband died five or six weeks before this interview. So Benjamin had to leave his bird in the bush, instead of having it in hand. And the bird promised to stay there, and sing for him on his return. XXVI. A BOGUS SCHEME. "I'm thinking of going to England with you," said Ralph to Benjamin, one day in October, 1724. "You don't mean it." "I do mean it. I am thinking seriously of going." "I shall be delighted to have your company, but the news is almost too good to be true," continued Benjamin. "I have been looking the matter over ever since you told me that you expected to go; and now it is settled in my own mind that I shall go." "Going out for your employer?" "No, going out to establish a correspondence, if possible, and arrange to obtain goods to sell on commission." "That is a capital scheme, it seems to me, Ralph. I think you can establish a good business with your tact and experience. You'll have to hurry up; for I expect that Captain Annis will sail in three weeks." Benjamin's words showed his gladness that one of his intimate companions would accompany him.