“‘And you’re fond of Leslie?’
“‘Yes,’ she said with such sudden emphasis that I was startled, ‘all that you said about him is true; he is kind and valiant, a man with whom any woman should be happy. I am glad that I have learnt how good he is. I am fonder of him than of my brothers.’
“I thought that a strange comparison, but not wholly a bad one.
“I tried to be hearty.
“‘I am so pleased, Ruth, and my vanity is gratified, too, for I almost think you might have passed him by but for me.’
“‘Yes,’ she said, ‘yes, I would have passed him by.’
“‘By God, Ruth!’ I burst out, ‘he is a lucky fellow. Do you know that you are a very beautiful woman?’
“She swayed as though she were dizzy for a moment.
“‘I must go,’ she said then, ‘and I haven’t said thank you, but I do thank you.’
“She paused.