On their way back Ruth plucked up her courage and told Ralph of Sam Tremail's proposal the previous afternoon.
Ralph stopped short for a moment, and looked at her.
"Now I understand why you have been so absent-minded," he said at length. "I was afraid you were fretting because I was going away."
"If I fretted, I should try and not let you see," she answered. "You have enough to bear already."
"The thought of leaving you unprotected is the hardest part," he said.
"Would it be a relief to you if I accepted Sam Tremail's offer?" she questioned.
"Supposing you cared for him enough, it would be," he replied. "Sam is a good fellow by all accounts. Socially, he is much above us."
"I have nothing against him," she answered slowly, "nothing! And I am quite sure he meant all he said."
"And do you care for him?"
She shook her head slowly and smiled—