waited his approach with beating heart.

"The boys will excuse you, Ruth, I think; I wish you to come for a short
walk with me."

At his voice, the gentle seriousness of which penetrated even to the
Tyrrell boys' understanding, she felt that her secret was known.

She laid her arm about his neck and gave him his usual morning kiss,
reddening slowly under his long searching look as he held her to him. She
followed him almost blindly as he turned from the grounds and struck into
the lane leading to the woods. Mr. Levice walked along, aimlessly knocking
off with his stick the dandelions and camomile in the hedges. It was with
a wrench he spoke.

"My child," he said, and now the stick acted as a support, "I was just
handed a note from Dr. Kemp. He has asked me for your hand."

In the pause that followed Ruth's lovely face was hidden in her hat.

"He also told me that he loves you," he continued slowly, "and that you
return his love. Will you turn your face to me, Ruth?"

She did so with dignity.

"You love this man?"

"I do." As reverently as if at the altar, she faced and answered her
father. All her love was in the eyes she raised to his. Beneath their
happy glow Levice's sank and his steady lips grew pale.