“I don’t care! I’m going to take it,” he answered firmly.
“Well, if you’re set on it, I suppose I can’t stop you,” answered Ruth. Her eyes were shining like stars. Then Jack caught her hand and pressed it warmly just as the others came up and interrupted what might have proved a very interesting tête-à-tête.
Dinner that evening was a grand affair, and Ruth, who sat next to Jack, declared she had never enjoyed anything so much in all her life. The twins and Tom Rover were full of fun, and Tom told several stories which convulsed everybody with laughter.
“Gee, Dad, you’re a wonder!” breathed Randy, trying to stop laughing. “I can see where Andy gets his wit from.”
“Yes, and I know where you get your habit of playing tricks from,” put in his mother, gazing fondly at her husband.
“Now, now! No knocking!” cried Tom gayly. “The boys are just all right! They may cut up a little now and then, but as they both bear marks of their mother’s good looks, that will be forgiven them,” and then Tom dodged back, as his wife made a move as if to pull his hair.
Ruth was quite a pianist and had cultivated that talent carefully during her days at Clearwater Hall. After dinner Dora Rover insisted that the girl give them some music. After playing one of her best compositions Ruth gathered all the boys and girls around her and they sang one popular song after another.
“A touch of old times, eh?” said Dick Rover to Dora, as, with his arm around her waist, they surveyed the scene.