In this vortex I
was stricken ill. All the while I wanted to hasten to you, to tell you how
it was with me, and it seemed as if I never could get to you. 'Is this
Nemesis,' I thought, 'or divine interposition?' So I struggled till Louis
came. Then all was easier. I told him everything and said, 'Louis, what
shall I do?' "only this,' he answered simply: 'tell them that their happy
marriage will be your happiness, and the rest of the world will be as
nothing to these two who love each other.'"
The old man paused; the little sunbeam had reached the end of the coverlet
and gave a leap upon Louis's shoulder like an angle's finger, but his gaze
remained fixed upon the cupids on the ceiling. Ruth had covered her face
with her hands. Mrs. Levice was softly weeping, with her eyes on Louis.
Dr. Kemp had risen and stood, tall and pale, meeting Levice's eyes.
"I believe--and my wife believes," said Levice, heavily, as if the words
were so many burdens, "that our child will be happy only as your wife, and
that nothing should stand in the way of the consummation of this happiness.
Dr. Kemp, you have assured me you still love my daughter. Ruth!"
She sprang to her feet, looking only at her father.
"Little one," he faltered, "I have been very cruel in my ignorance.
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