One would not think so, judging from his manner; but I know him to
be unusually sympathetic for a man. I would sooner have him for a friend
than many a woman; he has not many equals among the young men I know.
Don't you agree with me, girlie?"
"Oh, yes; I always liked Louis."
"How coldly you say that! And, by the way, it struck me as very queer last
night that you did not kiss him after his absence of a week. Since when
has this formal hand-shake come into use?"
A slight flush crimsoned Ruth's cheek.
"It is not my fault," she said, smiling; "I always kissed Louis even after
a day's absence. But some few months ago he inaugurated the new regime,
and holds me at arm's length. I can't ask him why, when he looks at me so
matter-of-factly through his eyeglass, can I?"
"No; certainly not." A slight frown marred the complacency of Mrs.
Levice's brow. Such actions were not at all in accordance with her darling
plan. Arnold was much to her; but she wished him to be more. This was a
side-track upon which she had not wished her train to move.
Her cogitations took a turn when she heard a quick, firm footfall in the
hall.
Ruth anticipated the knock, and opened the door to the doctor.
Bowing slightly to her, he advanced rather hurriedly to the bedside.
Pages:
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60