"Have you seen him in all his impersonations?" he asked.

"In everything but 'Shylock.'"

"You will have a chance for that on Saturday night. It will be a great
farewell performance."

"Undoubtedly, but I shall have to forego that last glimpse of him."

"Now, Doctor," cried Mrs. Levice, "will you please impress it on her that I
am not a lunatic and can be left alone without fear? She wishes to go
Saturday night, but refuses to go with her father on the ground that I
shall be left alone, as Mr. Arnold is out of town. Is not that being
unnecessarily solicitous?"

"Without doubt. But," he added, turning deferentially to Ruth, "in lieu of
a better escort, how would I do, Miss Levice?"

"I do not understand."

"Will you come with me Saturday night to see 'Shylock'?"

To be candid, Ruth was embarrassed. The doctor had said neither "will you
honor me" nor "will you please me," but he had both pleased and honored
her. She turned a pair of radiant eyes to her mother. "Come now, Mrs.
Levice," laughed Kemp, noting the action, "will you allow your little girl
to go with me? Do not detain me with a refusal; it will be impossible to
accept one now, and I shall not be around till then, you know.
Good-morning."