There was an uncomfortable pause for some moments after she had seated
herself, during which Ruth noted how, as the candle-light from the sconce
behind fell upon her father's head, each silvery hair seemed to speak of
quiet old age.

Kemp was the first to speak, and, as usual, came straight to the point.

"Mr. Levice, there is no use in disguising or beating around the bush the
thought that is uppermost in all our minds. I ask you now, in person, what
I asked you in writing last Friday, --will you give me your daughter to be
my wife?"

"I will answer you as I did in writing. Have you considered that you are a
Christian; that she is a Jewess?"

"I have."

It was the first gun and the answering shot of a strenuous battle.

"And you, my child?" he addressed her in the old sweet way that she had
missed in the afternoon.

"I have also done so to the best of my ability."

"Then you have found it raised no barrier to your desire to become Dr.
Kemp's wife?"

"None."