he had not entered into her calculations except as
"Eleanor's brother"--a nonentity who might be agreeable or the reverse,
according as he drove her home on wet evenings, or interrupted a cosy
_tete-a-tete_.

She did not reply to the question in words; but he was answered all the
same, for she heard him sigh, and saw a quiver pass across the thin
face.

"I am too old, Ruth--is that it? You never thought of me as a possible
lover?"

"Oh no, never once! You always seemed so busy and occupied, and you
have Eleanor to look after you. You have always been very kind to me,
but you were kind to Mollie and Trix and Betty as well. I did not feel
that you treated me differently from them. You are so clever; and you
saw yourself, when we talked this afternoon, I can do nothing.--I don't
see how you can possibly like me."

"Don't you?" he asked quietly. "But I do, Ruth; I care more than I can
express. I have not spoken before, for you seemed too young. I should
not have spoken to-day if you had not told us of this new move. You
don't know how hard it is for a girl to go out into the world and earn
her living; but I do, and I should like to save you from it, if it can
be done. I could give you a comfortable home, and enough money to make
life easy and pleasant. It would be my best happiness to see you happy.
We could travel; you would be able to help Mollie and the rest. If you
married me, your people would be my people, and I should be as anxious
as yourself to let them share our good fortune; and I would love you
very dearly, Ruth! I seem old to you, perhaps, but my love would be
more proved and certain than if I were a boy of your own age. I am a
prosperous man, but I want something more from life than I have had so
far--something that you alone can give roe. You hold my key to
happiness, Ruth!"

Ruth drew back into the corner of the carriage and turned her face into
the shadow. She wanted to think. What an extraordinary change in the
outlook at life to have happened in a few brief moments! Dr Maclure's
wife! Here was an answer indeed to the question which had been
occupying her thoughts for the last few weeks!

Suppose--suppose, just for one moment, that she said yes? Suppose that
on getting home she walked into the dining-room and announced her
engagement to a prosperous and charming man, who was already a family
friend and favourite? What fun! What excitement! What pride on the
part of the littl