She had come up for some cigars; but when she got into her father's room,
she seated herself blindly and looked aimlessly down at her hands. What a
blessed reprieve this was! If she could but stay here! She could if it
were not for the peace-pipe. Such a silly performance too! Father kept
those superfine cigars over in the cabinet there. Should she bring only
two as usual? Then she was going? Why not? It would look very rude not
to do so. Besides, she wondered what they were talking about. She
supposed she must have looked very foolish in that gown with her hair all
mussed; and then his eyes-- She arose suddenly and walked to the
dressing-table with her light. After all, it was not very unbecoming. Had
her face been so white all the evening? Louis liked her face to be
colorless. Oh, she had better hurry down.

"Here comes the chief!" cried her mother as she entered. "Now, Doctor, you
can see the native celebrating her natal day."

"She enacts the witch," said her father "and sends us, living, to the happy
hunting-grounds. Will you join us, Doctor?"

"If Lachesis thinks me worthy. Is the operation painful?"

He received no answer as Ruth came forward with a box of tempting Havanas.
She selected one, and placing the box on a chair, reached to the high-tiled
mantel-shelf, whence she took a tiny pair of scissors and deftly cut off
the point of the cigar. She seemed quite unconscious that all were
watching her. Louis handed her a lighted match, and putting the cigar
between her lips, she lit it into life. The doctor was amused.

She blew up a wreath of the fragrant smoke and handing it to her father,