deal of supervising. She took a natural pride in having things go as
smoothly as under her mother's administration; and Mr. Levice said it was
well his wife had laid herself on the shelf, as the new broom was a vast
improvement.

Ruth had given the last touches to her mother's dark hair, and was reading
aloud the few unexciting items one finds in the morning's paper. Mrs.
Levice, propped almost to a sitting position by many downy pillows,
polished her nails and half listened. Her cheeks were no longer brightly
flushed, but rather pale; the expression of her eyes was placid, and her
slight hand quite firm; the strain lifted from her, a great weariness had
taken its place. The sweet morning air came in unrestrained at the open
window.

Ruth's reading was interrupted by the entrance of the maid, carrying a
dainty basket of Duchesse roses.

"For Madame," she said, handing it to Ruth, who came forward to take it.

"Read the card yourself," she said, placing it in her mother's hand as the
girl retired. A pleased smile broke over Mrs. Levice's face; she buried
her face in the roses, and then opened the envelope.

"From Louis!" she exclaimed delightedly. "Poor fellow! he was dreadfully
upset when he came in. He did not say much, but his look and hand-shake
were enough as he bent to kiss me. Do you know, Ruth, I think our Louis
has a very loving disposition?"

"Yes, dear?"