"It was too bad he couldn't have lived to see you through college; he must have taken a great interest in your work there, through his own training and scholarship."
"It was what he wanted me to do, and I wish he could have known how I value it. He was the best of men, the kindest and noblest; and he was a wonderful scholar. He had the habit of thoroughness."
"That, I suppose, was partly due to the discipline of the Navy. I fancy that a man trained in habits of exactness gets into the way of keeping his mind ship-shape—no loose ends around anywhere."
She smiled at this, and regarded him with rather more attention, as though his remark had given her a new impression of him which her eyes wished to verify.
"They tell me you expect to teach in the city schools; that has always seemed to me the hardest kind of work. I should think you would prefer a college position;—there would be less drudgery, and better social opportunities."
"Every one warns me that it's hard work, but I don't believe it can be so terrible. Somebody has to do it. Of course college positions are more dignified and likely to be better paid."
He started to speak and hesitated.
"Well," she laughed. "You were going to add your warning, weren't you! I'm used to them."
"No; nothing of the sort; I was going to take the liberty of saying that if you cared to have me I should be glad to see whether our state university might not have something for you. I have friends and acquaintances who could help there."
"Oh, you are very kind! It is very good of you to offer to do that; but—"