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Chapter XIII
It was August. The Levices had purposely postponed leaving town until the
gay, merry-making crowds had disappeared, when Mrs. Levice, in the quiet
autumn, could put a crown to her recovery.
Ruth had quite a busy time getting all three ready, as she was to continue
the management of the household affairs until their return, a month later.
Besides which, numerous little private incidentals had to be put in running
order for a month, and she realized with a pang at parting with some of her
simple, sincere proteges that were this part of her life withdrawn, the
rest would pall insufferably.
The evening before their departure she stood bareheaded upon the steps of
the veranda with Louis, who was enjoying a post-prandial smoke. Mr. and
Mrs. Levice, in the soft golden gloaming of late summer, were strolling
arm-in-arm among the flower-beds. Mrs. Levice, without obviously looking
toward them, felt with satisfaction that Ruth was looking well in a plain
black gown which she had had no time to change after her late shopping.
She did not know that, close and isolated as the young man and woman stood,
not only were they silent, but each appeared oblivious of the other's
presence.
Ruth, with her hands clasped behind her, and Arnold, blowing wreaths of
blue smoke into the heliotrope-scented air, looked as if under a
dream-spell.
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