He could not know that the sound of the step had given
her the momentary courage thus to address him.
He arose deferentially as Mr. Levice entered. The two men formed a
striking contrast. Kemp stood tall, stalwart, straight as an arrow;
Levice, with his short stature, his stooping shoulders, and his silvery
hair falling about and softening somewhat his plain Jewish face, served as
a foil to the other's bright, handsome figure.
Kemp came forward to meet him and grasped his hand. Nothing is more
thoroughly expressive than this shaking of hands between men. It is a
freemasonry that women lack and are the losers thereby. The kiss is a sign
of emotion; the hand-clasp bespeaks strong esteem or otherwise. Levice's
hand closed tightly about the doctor's large one; there was a great feeling
of mutual respect between these two.
"How are you and your wife?" asked the doctor, seating himself in a low,
silken easy-chair as Levice took one opposite him.
"She is well, but tired this evening, and has gone to bed. She wished to
be remembered to you." As he spoke, he half turned his head to where Ruth
sat in a corner, a little removed.
"Why do you sit back there, Ruth?"
She arose, and seeing no other convenient seat at hand, drew up the curious
ivory-topped chair.
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