And he walked and meditated, back and forth through the room; while Winthrop lost himself in his 'answer.' The silence lasted this time till Rufus came up to the table and extending his hand bid his brother 'good night.'
"Are you going?" said Winthrop starting up.
"Yes — going; and going South, and going to be an engineer, and if possible to reach the goal of honour on the back of that calling, by some mysterious road which as yet I see not."
"Stay here to-night, Will."
"No, I can't — I've got to see somebody."
"All night?"
"Why, no," said Rufus smiling. "I suppose I could come back; more especially as I am going bona fide away. By the way, Winthrop, do you know they say the yellow fever is here?"
"I know they say so."
"What will you do?"
"Nothing."