Ruth blushed. That didn't sound like a loyal speech. She saw Schroder smiling broadly at her.
"You're quite a champion of his," he was saying. "Well, well. Maybe his Honor isn't as slow as I've been giving him credit for being."
From anyone else this would have been offensive, she thought. But there was something pleasing in the accusation. She hesitated and then returned his smile.
"You know as well as I, what kind of a man Judge Basine is," she answered. "He's the kind every woman respects at first sight."
"Loves, you mean," said Schroder.
"Oh no, I don't think a woman could really love Mr. Basine," she smiled. "He's too much wrapped up in himself."
"Well, I don't know then," said Schroder, "his wife puts up a pretty good bluff then."
Ruth's smile left her.
"Oh," she said, "of course."
Schroder laughed.