But the
children!--Floy with her dreamy face and busy sketch-book, Will with his
halo of golden hair, his manly figure and broad, open ambitions, Boss with
his busy step and fishing-tackle, and baby Ethel, the wee darling, who ran
after Ruth the first time she saw her and begged her to come and play with
her; ever since, she formed a part of the drapery of Ruth's skirt or a
rather cumbersome necklace about her neck. Every girl who has been
debarred the blessing of babies in the house loves them promiscuously and
passionately. Ruth was no exception; it amused the ladies to watch her
cuddle the child and wonder aloud at all her baby-talk.
Will was her next favorite satellite. A young girl with a winsome,
sympathetic face, and hearty manner, can easily become the confidante of a
fine fellow of fourteen. Will, with his arm tucked through hers, would
saunter around after dusk and tell her all his ambitions.
The soft, starry evenings up in the mountains, where heaven seems so near,
are just the time for such talk.
They were walking thus one evening toward the river, Ruth in a creamy gown
and with a white burnous thrown over her head, Will holding his hat in his
hand and letting the sweet air play through his hair, as he loved to do.
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