“What would you like, Uncle James?”
“You needn't trouble him about it,” explained his wife. “He'll like whatever I do, won't you, James?”
“Yes'm, just as you say.”
After dinner, when Ruth broached the subject of furniture, she was gratified to find that Aunt Jane had no serious objections. “I kinder hate to part with it, Ruth,” she said, “but in a way, as you may say, it's yours.”
“'Tisn't like giving it away, Aunty—it's all in the family, and, as you say, you're not using it.”
“That's so, and then James and me are likely to come and make you a long visit, so I'll get the good of it, too.”
Ruth was momentarily stunned, but rallied enough to express great pleasure at the prospect. As Aunt Jane began to clear up the dishes, Mr. Ball looked at his niece, with a certain quiet joy, and then, unmistakably, winked.
“When you decide about the wedding present, Aunty, let me know, won't you?” she asked, as Mrs. Ball came in after the rest of the dishes. “Mr. Winfield would like to send you a remembrance also.” Then Ruth added, to her conscience, “I know he would.”
“He seems like a pleasant-spoken feller,” remarked Aunt Jane. “You can ask him to supper to-night, if you like.”
“Thank you, Aunty, but we're going to Miss Ainslie's.”