Then she heard Ruth say, very quietly: "I am quite sure I can't. I promised Grace first."
Without waiting to hear more, Grace walked
briskly into the room, saying decisively, "Of course she can go, Arline."
"Why, Grace Harlowe, where did you come from?" exclaimed Arline, her blue eyes opening wide with surprise.
"From downstairs," laughed Grace. "Just in time, too, to make Ruth change her mind. Now, Ruth, tell us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Wouldn't you rather go to New York City with Arline than to Oakdale with us?"
Ruth flushed. "That isn't a fair question," she protested. "It isn't because I care more about going to New York than Oakdale. It is——" she hesitated.
"Because you care more for Arline than for us," finished Grace calmly. "I understand the situation, I think. Your friendship for Arline is growing to be the same as mine for Anne. Naturally, you'd rather be with her than with any one else. Now, Arline, I'll leave her in your hands. We wouldn't have her go to Oakdale with us if she begged on her knees to do so," concluded Grace.
"Grace Harlowe, you're a dear!" exclaimed Arline, catching Grace's hand in both of her warm little palms. "I just love you. Next to Ruth, I think you are the nicest girl at Overton. Thank you a thousand times for being so
nice over Ruth. Now, you simply must go," she announced, turning to Ruth.
"I will," answered Ruth happily. "You don't blame me for saying so?" she asked, looking pleadingly at Grace.