insisted that she make clear that the dummy was not included. The short
afternoon glided into evening, and Dr. Kemp went over to the hotel and
dined at the Levices' table.

Ruth, in a white wool gown, sat opposite him. It was the first time he had
dined with them; and he enjoyed a singular feeling over the situation. He
noticed that although Mrs. Levice kept up an almost incessant flow of talk,
she ate a hearty meal, and that Ruth, who was unusually quiet, tasted
scarcely anything. Her father also observed it, and resolved upon a course
of strict surveillance. He was glad to hear that the doctor had to leave
on the early morning's train, though, of course, he did not say so. As
they strolled about afterward, he managed to keep his daughter with him and
allowed Kemp to appropriate his wife.

They finally drifted to the cottage-steps, and were enjoying the beauty of
the night when Will Tyrrell presented himself before them.

"Good-evening," he said, taking off his hat as he stood at the foot of the
steps. "Mr. Levice, Father says he has at last scared up two other
gentlemen; and will you please come over and play a rubber of whist?"

Mr. Levice felt himself a victim of circumstances. He and Mr. Tyrrell had
been looking for a couple of opponents, and had almost given up the search.
Now, when he decidedly objected to moving, it would have been heartless not
to go.

"Don't consider me," said the doctor, observing his hesitancy. "If it ill
relieve you, I assure you I shall not miss you in the least."

"Go right ahead, Jules" urged his wife; "Ruth and I will take care of the