So through the mellow, golden sunlight they strolled slowly homeward.
Chapter XV
Mr. Levice, sauntering down the garden-path, saw the trio approaching. For a moment he did not recognize the gentleman in his summer attire. When he did, surprise, then pleasure, then a spirit of inquietude, took possession of him. He had been unexpectedly startled on Ruth’s birthnight by a vague something in Kemp’s eyes. The feeling, however, had vanished gradually in the knowledge that the doctor always had a peculiarly intent gaze, and, moreover, no one could have helped appreciating her loveliness that night. This, of itself, will bring a softness into a man’s manner; and without doubt his fears had been groundless,—fears that he had not dared to put into words. For old man as he was, he realized that Dr. Kemp’s strong personality was such as would prove dangerously seductive to any woman whom he cared to honor with his favor; but with a “Get thee behind me, Satan” desire, he had put the question from him. He could have taken his oath on Ruth’s heart-wholeness, yet now, as he recognized her companion, his misgivings returned threefold. The courteous gentleman, however, was at his ease as they came up.
“This is a surprise, Doctor,” he exclaimed cordially, opening the gate and extending his hand. “Who would have thought of meeting you here?”
Kemp grasped his hand heartily.
“I am a sort of surprise-party,” he answered, swinging Ethel to the ground and watching her scamper off to the hotel; “and what is more,” he continued, turning to him, “I have not brought a hamper, which makes one of me.”
“You calculate without your host,” responded Levice; “this is a veritable land of milk and honey. Come up and listen to my wife rhapsodize.”
“How is she?” he asked, turning with him and catching a glimpse of Ruth’s vanishing figure.
“Feeling quite well,” replied Levice; “she is all impatience now for a delirious winter season.”