retensions, but with something more like the adoration a heathen
devotee pays to his goddess. Rupert already watched her eyes and
followed her wishes, sometimes before they were spoken. It was plain
that she might rely upon him for all to which his powers would reach;
and a strong element of good-will began to mix with her confidence in
him. What could she do, to help make this journey a benefit to the boy?
He had known little of good or gentle influences in his life; yet he
was gentle himself and much inclined to be good, she thought. And he
might be very important to her yet, before she got home.

"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?"

"Well--where I come from, they call Christians folks that have j'ined
the church."

"That's making a profession," said Dolly.

"Yes, I've heard folks call it that."

"But what is the reality? _What_ do you think a man professes when he
joins the church?"

"I'll be shot if I know," Rupert answered, looking at her hard in the
fading light. "I'd like first-rate to hear you say."

"It is just to be a servant of Christ," said Dolly. "A true servant,
'doing the will of God from the heart.'"

"How are you going to know what His will is? I should be bothered if
you asked _me_."

"Oh, He has told us that," said Dolly, surprised. "In the Bible."

"Then I s'pose you've got to study _that_ considerable."

"Certainly."

"Well, don't it say things pretty different from w