"You hardly need an introduction, Esther," said Levice. "You remember Dr.
Kemp from last night?"

"Yes. Don't go, Ruth, please; Jules, hadn't you something to do
downstairs?"

Did she imagine for a moment that she could still conceal her trouble from
his tender watchfulness? Great dark rings encircled her now feverishly
bright eyes; her mouth trembled visibly; and as Ruth drew aside, her
mother's shaking fingers held tight to her hand.

"I have nothing in the world to do," replied Levice, heartily; "I am going
to sit right here and get interested."

"You will have to submit to a friendly cross-examination, Mrs. Levice,"
said the physician.

He drew a chair up before her and took both her hands in his. As Ruth
relinquished her hold, she encountered a pair of pleasantly authoritative
gray eyes, and instantly divining their expression, left the room.

She descended a few steps to the windowed landing. Here she intended
joining the doctor on his way down. Probably her father would follow him;
but it was her intention to intercept any such plan. A fog had arisen, and
the struggling rosy beams of the sun glimmered opalescently through the
density. Ruth thought it would be clear by noon, when she and her mother
could go for a stirring tramp. She stood lost in thought till a firm
footfall on the stairs aroused her.