I was not in search of a wife. It would have been the height of imprudence for me, with my small income and precarious prospects, to think of setting up a home and a family in this great, expensive city. Yet, had it been otherwise, perhaps Ruth would have made me a better wife than some graduate of a fashionable young ladies' seminary with her smattering of French, and superficial knowledge of the various ologies taught in high-class schools. The young woman from Macy's, though she probably knew nothing of political economy, was doubtless skilled in household economy and able to cook a dinner, as in all probability my wife would find it necessary to do. As we entered the room at supper, Miss Canby smiled upon me pleasantly. "I hope you are pleased with your handkerchiefs, Dr. Fenwick." "I have not had occasion to use them as yet, thank you." "Aha, what is that?" asked Prof. Poppendorf, who was just behind us. "Dr. Fenwick called to see me at Macy's," answered Ruth. Prof. Poppendorf frowned a little, as if not approving the visit. "Do you have gentlemen call upon you at Macy's, Mees Ruth?" he asked. "Only when they wish to buy articles," said Ruth, smiling and blushing. "What do you sell, Mees Ruth?" "Handkerchiefs, Professor." "Do you have any like this?" and he pulled out a large red silk handkerchief. "No, I have only white linen handkerchiefs." "I haf never use any but red ones, but I might come in and see what you have." "I shall be glad to show you what I have, Professor." Prof. Poppendorf was soon engaged in the discussion of dinner. He had a good German appetite which never failed. He seldom talked much during a meal, as it would interfere with more important business. Now that I had changed my place at the table, I sat on one side of the Disagreeable Woman, and Ruth Canby on the other. Next to Ruth sat the Professor, but for the reason already stated, he was not a social companion. Just opposite sat Mrs. Wyman and Count Penelli. So far as I could judge, he was a quiet young man, and had very little to say for himself. Mrs. Wyman, however, kept plying him with questions and remarks, and did her best to appear on terms of intimate acquaintance with him. Some fragments of her conversation floated across the table. "You have no idea, Count, how I long to visit Italy, your dear country." "It is ver' nice," he said, vaguely. "Nice? It must be lovely. Have you ever seen the Bay of Naples?" "Oh, _si_, signora, many times." "It is charming, is it not?" "_Si_, signora, it is beautiful." "And the Italian ladies, I have heard so much of them." "I like ze American ladies better." "Do you, indeed, Count? How gratifying! When do you expect to return to Italy?" "I do not know--some time." "I hope it will not be for a long time. We should miss you so much." "The signora is very kind."