pass straight on, he stopped me and shook my hand so very friendly. And
now I hear it was a great success. Oh, Miss Levice, he has no parallel but
himself!"

It did not sound exaggerated to Ruth to hear him thus made much of. It was
only very sweet and true.

"I knew just what he must be when I saw him," the girl babbled on; "that
was why I went to him. I knew he was a doctor by his carriage, and his
strong, kind face was my only stimulus. But there, you must forgive me if
I tire you; you see he sent you to me."

"You do not tire me, Rose," she said gravely. And the same expression
rested upon her face till evening.


Chapter XVII

Monday night had come. As Ruth half hid a pale yellow bud in her heavy,
low-coiled hair, the gravity of her mien seemed to deepen. This was
partially the result of her father's expressive countenance and voice. If
he had smiled, it had been such a faint flicker that it was forgotten in
the look of repression that had followed. In the afternoon he had spoken a
few disturbing words to her:

"I have told your mother that Dr. Kemp is coming to discuss a certain
project and desires your presence. She intends to retire rather early, and
there is nothing to prevent your receiving him."

At the distantly courteous tone she raised a pair of startled eyes. He was