"I have just engage to teach philosophy at Mees Smith's school on Madison Avenue. Then I have my private pupils. Ah, _ja_, I will make quite an income," he said, complacently. "Besides, Mees Ruth, she is a good housekeeper." "I do not know." "She will not wish to spend money," he said, anxiously. "I think she was brought up economically." "_Ja_, dat is good. All the German frauleins are good housekeepers. Dey can cook and keep house on a little money." "Were you ever married, Professor?" "_Ja_, long ago, but my frau she not live very long. It is many years ago." "If you married Miss Canby would you still board here?" "No, it would cost too much money. I would hire an apartment--what you call a flat, and Mees Ruth would keep the house--she would wash, she would cook, and--" "Take care of the babies," I added, jocularly. "Dat is as God wills." "Have you spoken to Miss Ruth on the subject?" "No, not yet. I wish to speak to you first--I thought you might want to marry her yourself." "You need have no anxiety on that subject; I never thought of such a thing." "Dat is good. I feel better." "Have you any idea that Miss Canby will agree to marry you?" "I do not know. I am a Herr Professor," he said, proudly. In Germany there is a high respect felt for titles of every kind, and the Professor evidently thought that his official dignity would impress the young woman from Macy's. "Still, you are so much older than she, that she may not at first like the idea." "You think she refuse me--that she gives me the mitten?" he said, uneasily. "If you propose too quick. Will you take my advice?" "_Ja, ja!_" "Then don't propose at once. Let her get accustomed to your attentions." "What shall I do first?" he asked, anxiously. "Suppose you invite her to go to the theatre with you?" "_Ja_, dat is good!" "Perhaps you could take her to hear Patti?" "No, no. It cost too much!" said he, shaking his head. "Then you might invite her to the Star Theatre to see Crane." "So I will." He rose and shuffled out of the office in a very pleasant humor. He felt that there was no obstacle to his suit, now that I had disclaimed all intention of marrying the young woman from Macy's. CHAPTER IX. AN EVENING AT THE BOARDING-HOUSE. The confidence which Prof. Poppendorf had reposed in me, naturally led me to observe his behavior at table to the young woman from Macy's. There was a difficulty as I had to look round the "Disagreeable Woman," who sat next to me. Then I could not very well watch the Professor's expression, as his large, green goggles concealed so large a part of his face.