"Yes; till I saw you, Mees Ruth, I never haf seen the woman I wanted to marry. Perhaps," he added with sudden hope, "this young man, Stephen, does not wish to marry you."
"He will be only too glad," said Ruth, tossing her head. "He offered himself to me a year ago."
"Then there is no hope for me?"
"None at all, Professor."
They had reached Waverley Place, and so there was no time for further conversation. As they came up the stoop Mrs. Wyman saw them through the window. She was in waiting in the hall.
"Have you had a nice walk together?" she purred.
"How I hate that woman!" said Ruth to herself.
She ran up stairs and prepared for supper.