After inspecting the spot where the building was to stand the young folks broke up into little groups, and presently Jack found himself walking by the side of Ruth and in the direction of a little brook that wound in and out among the trees. This was near a point where the Rover estate and the Stevenson estate joined.
“Did Spouter and Gif tell you the news about their folks?” questioned Jack, as they strolled along.
“What news, Jack?”
“I mean about their dads investing in The Rover Company. Gif’s dad has put up fifty thousand dollars and Spouter’s dad has put up thirty thousand and is going to put up the other twenty very shortly.”
“Yes, I heard about that, Jack,” and then Ruth began to color a little. “I suppose you heard about what my father is going to do?” she continued after a moment’s pause.
“Your father? No, I didn’t hear about that.”
“He’s going to take fifty thousand dollars’ worth of stock, too. In fact, I think he has already done so,” and Ruth cast down her eyes while she blushed more than ever.
“Ruth! You don’t mean it!” Involuntarily Jack caught her by the arm. “And you never told me!”
“I—I thought—dad ought to speak about it first,” faltered the girl. “You know, I didn’t want you to think that——” and then she stopped abruptly.
“Why, Ruth, it’s wonderful! Just wonderful!” cried Jack, his face glowing. “It shows what faith your dad has in our concern. I guess he knows I’m going in with my father and Fred is going in too, doesn’t he?”