"I know, but you always do your sewing with me," said Ruby.
"You see it would be quite different with a man in the way."
"Uncle Bert would not bother you one bit. I cannot see why you are afraid of him," rejoined the child.
"But I do not like men, Ruby. I do not like to be where a man is. Now, dear, will you excuse me?" pleaded Golden.
"Yes, I will, since you insist on it," answered Ruby. "But I can't see what makes you hate men! Now I like them. I like papa, I like Uncle Bert, and I shall like my husband when I grow big enough to have one. Do you ever intend to have a husband, Mary?" said the child, with a child's thoughtlessness.
[CHAPTER XXV.]
The beautiful color surged hotly into Golden's cheeks at Ruby's artless question. She turned her head away to hide the pain that made her sweet lips quiver.
"Mary, do you ever intend to have a husband?" repeated the child.
"Hush, Ruby. You are too young to talk about husbands," answered Golden.