Arnold drew her arm within his, and they walked off.

They say that the first thing a Frenchman learns in studying the English
language is the use of that highly expressive outlet of emotion, "Damn."
Arnold was an old-timer, but he had not outgrown the charm of his first
linguistic victory; and now as he replaced his hat in reply to Kemp, he
distinctly though coolly said, "Damn him."

Ruth looked at him, startled; but the composed, non-committal expression of
his face led her to believe that her ears had deceived her.

A few more blocks were passed, and they stopped at a pretentious,
many-windowed, Queen Anne house. Ruth ran lightly up the steps, her cousin
following her leisurely.

She had scarcely rung the bell when the door was opened by Mrs. Lewis
herself.

"Good-evening, Ruth; why, Mr. Arnold doesn't mean to say that he does us
the honor?"

Mr. Arnold had said nothing of the kind; but he offered no disclaimer, and
giving her rather a loose hand-shake, walked in.

"Come right into the dining-room," she continued. "I suppose you were
surprised to find me in the hall; I had just come from putting the children
to bed. They were in mischievous spirits and annoyed their father, who
wished to be very quiet this evening."

By this time they had reached the room at the end of the hall, the door of