This has become a family affair."

There was in her tone something which, despite its friendliness, gave
Sir Rowland his dismissal. He was not at best a man of keen
sensibilities; yet even so, he could not mistake the request to
withdraw that was implicit in her tone and manner. He took his leave,
registering, however, in his heart a vow that he would have his way
with Wilding. Thus must he - through her gratitude - assuredly come
to have his way with Ruth.

Diana rose and turned to her mother. Come," she said, "we'll speed
Sir Rowland. Ruth and Richard would perhaps prefer to remain alone."

Ruth thanked her with her eyes. Richard, standing beside his
sister with bent head and moody gaze, did not appear to have heard.
Thus he remained until he and his half-sister were alone together,
then he flung himself wearily into the seat beside her, and took her
hand.

"Ruth," he faltered, "Ruth!"

She stroked his hand, her honest, intelligent eyes bent upon him in a
look of pity - and to indulge this pity for him, she forgot how much
herself she needed pity.

"Take it not so to heart," she urged him, her voice low and crooning
- as that of a mother to her babe. "Take it not so to heart, Richard.
I should have married some day, and, after all, it may well be that
Mr. Wilding will make me as good a husband as another. I do believe,"
she added, her only intent to comfort Richard; "that he loves me; and