“I’m afraid your people would not like you to stay in such a place,” began Mrs. Cameron dubiously, though her eyes shone with a light that belied her words.
“Nonsense!” said Ruth with a bewildering smile, “it is as clean as a pin and I’m very much excited about staying there. It will be an adventure. I’ve never known much about the Salvation Army before, except that they are supposed to be very good people.”
“There might be some rough characters——”
“Well, I guess they can’t hurt us with that good woman around, and anyhow, you’re going to stay till your son goes!” laughingly declared Ruth.
“Well, we’ll see what John says,” said his mother with a sigh, “I can’t let you do anything—questionable.”
“Please, Mrs. Cameron,” pleaded Ruth, “let us forget things like that this trip and just have a happy time.”
The mother smiled, sadly, wistfully, through a mist of tears. She could not help thinking how wonderful it would have been if there had been no war and her dear boy could have had this sweet wholesome girl for a friend.