As Mrs. Levice passed within ear-shot, Ruth heard snatches of the broken
sentence, --

"Jennie--good-by--to-day."

This roused her from her revery, and she called to her mother, --

"Why, I forgot to drop in at Jennie's this afternoon, as I promised."

"How annoying! When you know how sensitive she is and how angry she gets at
any neglect."

"I can run out there now. It is light enough."

"But it will be dark in less than an hour. Louis, will you go out to
Jennie's with Ruth?"

"Eh? Oh, certainly, if she wishes me."

"I wish you to come if you yourself wish it. I'll run in and get my hat
and jacket while you decide."

Ruth came back in a few minutes with a jaunty little sailor hat on and a
light gray jacket, which she handed to Louis to hold for her.

"New?" he asked, pulling it into place in the back.

"Yes," she answered; "do you like it for travelling?"

"Under a duster. Otherwise its delicate complexion will be rather freckled