"I don't know the first thing about this country," he broke the silence. "It was always a little spot in the corner of the map that I thought was no sort of count. Why, it's a grand place!"
"You ought to read about it in history."
"I never read much history, that's a fact," Rupert answered. "Never had much to read," he added with a laugh. "Fact is, my life up to now has been pretty much of a scrimmage for the needful."
"Knowledge is needful," said Dolly.
"That's a fact; but a fellow must live first, you see. And that warn't always easy once."
"And what are your plans or prospects? What do you mean to be—or do? what do you mean to make of yourself?"
Rupert half laughed. "I haven't any prospects—to speak of. In fact, I don't see ahead any further than Venice. As to what I am to be, or do,—I expect that will be settled without any choice of mine. I've got along, so far, somehow; I guess I'll get along yet."
"Are you a Christian?" Dolly asked, following a sudden impulse.
"I guess I ain't what you mean by that."
"What do you mean by it?"