again relieving Levice, who preferred the quieter life.

When Ruth began to go into society, his presence was almost a necessity, as
Jewish etiquette, or rather Jewish espionage, forbids a young man
unattached by blood or intentions to appear as the attendant of a single
woman. This is one of the ways Jewish heads of families have got into for
keeping the young people apart, --making cowards of the young men, and
depriving the young girls of a great deal of innocent pleasure.

Arnold, however, was not an escort to be despised, as Ruth soon discovered.
She very quickly felt a sort of family pride in his cool, quizzical manner
and caustic repartee, that was wholly distinct from the more girlish
admiration of his distinguished person. He and Ruth were great friends in
a quiet, unspoken way.

They were sitting together alone in the library on the evening of his
return. Mrs. Levice had fallen asleep, and her husband was sitting with
her. Ruth had stolen down to keep Louis company, fearing he would feel
lonesome in the changed aspect of the house.

Arnold lay at full length on the lounge; Ruth swayed backward and forward
in the rocker.

"What I am surprised at," he was saying, "is that my aunt submits to this
confining treatment;" he pronounced the last word "tritment," but he never
stopped at a word because of its pronunciation, thus adding a certain
piquancy to his speech.

"You would not be surprised if you knew Dr. Kemp; one follows his
directions blindly."