“My wife,” stammered Ralph—the words were new to him and the sound was new to Ruth. They both blushed and the President asked as he shook a hand of each:
“How long since, Norwood? I didn’t know you were married. It must be newly. I see you haven’t gotten used to saying ‘my wife?’”
“Only since last evening,” replied Ralph.
“And you brought her to see me early this morning,” said the President, slapping his shoulder while he retained Ruth’s little hand in his powerful grasp. “Bless you! You are a good fellow, Norwood. You are giving me a rare treat. It’s seldom a man brings his wife to call on me and never a newly-wedded one. I like the idea, though. It shows you are thinking of others’ pleasure as well as your own. That’s the right kind of love to have even in the beginning.”
“She chose it for her wedding trip,” laughed Ralph confusedly. Then he recovered himself and added seriously: “She was very anxious to see you and speak with you, and she would not wait a moment longer.”
“Come and sit down,” said the President. “We will talk. We will reason together if need be.”
After they were seated Ruth took a little miniature from her pocket and handed it to him.
“Please look at the picture so you will understand exactly how I feel and why I appeal to you,” said Ruth.
“That’s right! just right! People don’t half understand each other. That’s the reason why they often seem so hard and unsympathetic.” Then he put on his glasses and looked at the picture.
“What a beautiful face! How spiritual! It almost seems as though I had seen one that looked a little like it.” He gave her a keen glance.