dull with Ruth, with whom, of all persons in the world, he wanted to

appear at his best.

Harry was entirely satisfied with his own situation. A bird of passage

is always at its ease, having no house to build, and no responsibility.

He talked freely with Philip about Ruth, an almighty fine girl, he said,

but what the deuce she wanted to study medicine for, he couldn't see.

There was a concert one night at the Musical Fund Hall and the four had

arranged to go in and return by the Germantown cars. It was Philip's

plan, who had engaged the seats, and promised himself an evening with

Ruth, walking with her, sitting by her in the hall, and enjoying the

feeling of protecting that a man always has of a woman in a public place.

He was fond of music, too, in a sympathetic way; at least, he knew that

Ruth's delight in it would be enough for him.

Perhaps he meant to take advantage of the occasion to say some very

serious things. His love for Ruth was no secret to Mrs. Bolton, and he

felt almost sure that he should have no opposition in the family. Mrs.

Bolton had been cautious in what she said, but Philip inferred everything

from her reply to his own questions, one day, "Has thee ever spoken thy

mind to Ruth?"

Why shouldn't he speak his mind, and end his doubts? Ruth had been

tricksy than usual that day, and in a flow of spirits quite inconsistent,

325

The Gilded Age