"How so?"
"You know a woman is older at twenty-three than a man. Then you do not wear a beard."
"I shall cultivate one from this hour. Why, a year ago I looked like a pard, but was influenced to change."
Again that quick flash of intelligence.
"Ah! Doctor Chicago has left a lady love in the city on the lake."
"What makes you say that?"
"Several remarks you have made; the one just now, and then in reference to the spur that sent you to face that dog. Ah! my friend, it must have been a strong motive to influence you like that."
He overlooks the peculiar patronizing air, such as a young woman sometimes assumes toward a boy her junior.
"Lady Ruth, the person you refer to, the thought of whom sent me to save that child, bears what is to me the holiest name on earth—mother."
She draws a quick breath.