"I really feel under great obligations for your interest and good opinions," Benjamin answered; "but I have already accepted an invitation to engage in business in Philadelphia, my home, and may leave within a few days." "That settles the matter, of course; but I am sorry that it is so," added Sir Wyndham. "I trust that you may prosper wherever you are." Benjamin thanked him heartily for his complimentary words and good wishes, and left him, almost wishing that he could cancel his engagement with Mr. Denham and open a swimming school. Wygate and Hall assured him that he could do well in that business. Soon after the excursion to Chelsea, Wygate made known to Benjamin a scheme that was in his mind. "I want to travel extensively over Europe," he said, "and I have decided to do it if you will become my traveling companion. We can stop as necessity requires, from time to time, and work at our business, so as to pay our way." "I should like nothing better than to travel all over Europe," answered Benjamin. "I have a desire to see more than I have seen of this part of the world." "Well, what do you think of the plan?" "I should say that it is practicable, although the suggestion is entirely new to me. Could we get work at our business?" "I took it for granted that we could," replied Wygate. "I have no more means of knowing than you have." "I should take it for granted that we could, too," said Benjamin; "still I shall want to consider it; it is quite an enterprise to undertake." "Somewhat of a scheme; but a very interesting and instructive one if successfully prosecuted." "That is so, and I think favorably of it. I will consult my good friend, Denham, about it. He has seen more of the world than we have." Benjamin was evidently favorably impressed with the proposition; for he embraced the first opportunity to lay the subject before Mr. Denham. "It does not strike me favorably," said Mr. Denham. "We could both see and learn a great deal," remarked Benjamin. "That is true; but other things are to be considered, which are of equal importance. What might do for Wygate, whose home is here, might not do for you, whose home is in America." "That may be." Benjamin's brief reply indicated that he was not quite certain on that point. "It appears to me," continued Mr. Denham, "that your first thoughts should be concerned about returning to Philadelphia, that you may set up business for yourself there." "I do not see much prospect of that at present. Of course I should be glad to return home; for there is no place I prefer to Philadelphia." "So far as prospects of which you speak are concerned, we can not always judge; unexpected opportunities sometimes offer; and you do not want to put yourself where you can not accept and use them." "Of course not," Benjamin answered, evidently disappointed that his friend did not endorse the scheme.