A sitting-room divided the chamber of Clarice from the one occupied by Ruth, and the two had talked together before saying good night.
“You are tired I know, so I must not keep you up any later, for it is midnight,” said Clarice. “We breakfast at nine, you know,” and she kissed Ruth, who, hesitating an instant, replied:
“Miss Carr, you have been so sweet to me, so sisterly, that I wish to make a confession to you, but in confidence. I do not wish to deceive you, and, therefore, I will tell you that Arden is not my name. True, it was my mother’s maiden name, but I assumed it, for the one I bear has been dishonored by my brother, and I did not wish to bring shame upon an honored name by letting it be known who the man you know as Silk Lasso Sam really is.
“To others I am Ruth Arden, to you, in confidence, I will say that I am Ruth Leigh, and my poor brother’s real name is Arden Leigh. Good night,” and Ruth glided quickly away to her room, while Clarice murmured gently:
“Poor girl, yours is a noble nature.”
Ruth did not ask the favor of Colonel Dunwoody, to be allowed to see her brother daily, for it was not necessary.
He anticipated her by calling the next morning and asking for her.
“I have given orders, Miss Arden, that you shall be allowed to go to and from the prison where your brother is confined at your will.”
“You are most kind, Colonel Dunwoody.”
“No, I am only just, for you have come a long way, have you not, to see one whom your woman’s heart clings to in spite of what he may be. A mother’s love and a sister’s are to me the purest of all affections, and I can understand just how you feel toward the one who has gone to the bad as your unfortunate brother has.”