all, excited girl ahead of us, who seemed to be trying to run
faster than our auto could travel. Nevertheless, we caught up with her.
Who do you think she was? Miss Mollie Thurston! We were all so surprised
that it must have taken us quite a minute to explain matters to each
other."

"You can imagine," added Mistress Mollie from the front seat, "how jolly
glad I was!"

For some time Mrs. Thurston had been anxiously awaiting her daughters'
return. She was standing at the gate of her home, when a familiar chug,
chug, chug, sounded up the road. "I must be dreaming," she thought. "I am
so worried at the girls being out late that I imagine I hear Ruth's
automobile bringing them home to me. How lonely it has been for us all
since Ruth and her father went away!"

"Chug, chug, chug," the noise sounded louder than ever. A splash of red
appeared at the turn of the road, a siren whistle blew, and a well-known,
crimson motor car rapidly approached her gate. Mrs. Thurston rubbed her
eyes. It was the Stuart's automobile and no other. Sitting enthroned in
it was that gentleman and his daughter. And, could it be possible?
Barbara and Mollie, as well!

Mrs. Thurston's gentle face glowed with pleasure. Switfly as a girl she
threw open her gate and was waiting on the sidewalk when the car stopped
in front of her with a flourish.

"I am so delighted to see you," she said, extending her hand to Mr.
Stuart and kissing Ruth on both cheeks. "Where did you find my daughters?
But what's the matter with you, Bab?" she asked, as she noticed her
child's pale cheeks.

"Nothing, now, mother," said Bab, hopping up, but sitting down again just
as promptly. "I have sprained my ankle a little, not very much. I would
like to get into the house to take off my shoe. It pinches until I feel
like the mean sister trying to squeeze her foot into Cinderella's
slipper."

"Come on in with me, every one of you," she pleaded. "Dear Mr. Stuart,
you are not going to take Ruth up to the hotel with you for even one
night. Remember, you promised she was to visit us, as soon as you
returned."

"Do let me stay, father," coaxed Ruth, dancing after them. "I have no
trunk to worry about at present. Aunt Sallie is coming back, day after
to-morrow, and she is to bring my trunk with her. Father and I traveled
all the way in the automobile."

Mrs. Thurston followed Mr. Stuart out as he was saying good-bye. He had
agreed to leave Ruth with them. "Mr. Stuart, you can go