"Is your brother at home?" Dorothy questioned, with a little gasp.
"Why, yes. Won't you come in?"
"Would you mind asking him to come to the door. I have only a moment or two to spare."
"You had better come into the passage," Ruth said, "and I will go at once and tell him you are here."
Dorothy stepped over the threshold and stood under the small lamp that lighted the tiny hall.
In a few moments Ralph stood before her, his cheeks flushed, and an eager, questioning light in his eyes.
She looked at him eagerly for a moment before she spoke, and could not help thinking how handsome he looked.
"I have come on a strange errand," she said, speaking rapidly, "and I fear there is more trouble in store for you. But tell me first, have you ever lifted a finger against my father?"
"Never, Miss Dorothy! Why do you ask?"
"And you have never planned, or purposed, or attempted to do him harm?"