"Prof. Poppendorf," she said, gently, "you must not be too much disappointed. There are many who would appreciate the honor of marrying you. Why do you not ask Mrs. Wyman?"
"She is a butterfly—a flirt. I would not marry her if there were no other woman living."
The young woman from Macy's quite agreed with the Professor, and it was not without satisfaction that she heard him express himself in this manner.
"Well," she continued, "then there is Miss Blagden. She is of a more suitable age."
"The Disagreeable Woman. What do you take me for, Mees Ruth? She is too strong-minded."
"Perhaps so, but I am sure she has a kind heart."
"I should never be happy with her—never!" said the Professor, decidedly.
"Were you ever married, Professor?" asked Ruth with sudden curiosity.
"Yes, I was married when I was thirty—but my Gretchen only lived two years. I haf mourned for her more than thirty years."
"You have waited a long time, Professor."