"And, if you like, we'll go back and get Ruth. Maybe that would be better!" he exclaimed eagerly, and as Alice looked into his honest gray eyes she read his little secret, and smiled at him understandingly.
"Oh, never that!" she cried gaily. "Ruth would be the last one in the world to be let into this secret, until it is more assured of success. Besides, I guess when you walk with Ruth you don't want me," she challenged.
"Oh, now——" he began.
"That's all right. I understand," she laughed at him. "No, we won't tell Ruth."
"Then you'll go and see the manager—I know he'll give your father a trial, and that's all that's needed, for I'm sure he can do the acting. And they're always looking for new characters. Come on!"
Once more, in his enthusiasm, he tried to lead her down the street. But she hung back.
"No, really, Russ," she said earnestly enough now, and her eyes took on a more grave and serious look. "It isn't that. It's only—well, I might as well tell you, though it may be rather mean after your kindness. But my father thinks the movies are so—so vulgar! There—I've said it."
She looked at her companion anxiously. To her surprise Russ laughed.
"So, you were afraid of hurting my feelings; were you?" he asked.
"Yes," she answered, in a low voice.