“Ruth,” he said softly; but she did not move. His own face showed signs of the emotions through which he had passed, but was peaceful as if after a long, triumphant struggle. He came nearer and laid his hand gently upon her shoulder.
“Love,” he whispered, “have you forgotten me entirely?”
His hand shook slightly; but Ruth gave no sign that she saw or heard.
“This has been too much for you,” he said, drawing her head to his breast. She lay there as if in a trance, with eyes closed, her face lily-white against him. They remained in this position for some minutes till he became alarmed at her passivity.
“You are tired, darling,” he said, stroking her cheek; “shall I leave you?”
She started up as if alive to his presence for the first time, and sprang to her feet. She turned giddy and swayed toward him. He caught her in his arms.
“I am so dizzy,” she laughed in a broken voice, looking with dry, shining eyes at him; “hold me for a minute.”
He experienced a feeling of surprise as she clasped her arms around his neck; Ruth had been very shy with her caresses.
His eyes met hers in a long, strange look.
“Of what are you thinking?” he asked in a low voice.