"There, dear, don't talk." Levice's face was white as he soothingly
stroked her hair.

"Oh!"

The doctor stepped in front of them, and laying both hands upon her
shoulders, motioned Levice aside.

"Hush! Not a word!"

At the sound of his stern, brusque voice, the long quivering shriek stopped
halfway.

"Be perfectly still," he continued, holding her firmly. "Obey this
instant," as she began to whimper; "not a sound must I hear."

Ruth and her father stood spell-bound at the effect of the stranger's
measures. For a moment Mrs. Levice had started in affright to scream; but
the deep, commanding tone, the powerful hands upon her shoulders, the
impressive, unswerving eye that held hers, soon began to act almost
hypnotically. The sobbing gradually ceased; the shaking limbs slowly
regained their calm; and as she sank upon the cushions the strained look in
her eyes melted. She was feebly smiling up at the doctor in response to
his own persuasive smile that gradually succeeded the gravity of his
countenance.

"That is well," said he, speaking soothingly as to a child, and still
keeping his smiling eyes upon hers. "Now just close your eyes for a
minute; see, I have your hand, --so. Go to sleep."