right ahead, Jules" urged his wife; "Ruth and I will take care of
the doctor."

If she had promised to take care of Ruth, it would have been more to
his mind; but since his wife was there, what harm could accrue that his
presence would prevent? So with a sincere apology he went over to the
hotel.

He hardly appreciated what an admirable aide he had left behind him in
his wife.

Kemp sat upon the top step, and leaned his back against the railing;
although outwardly he kept up a constant low run of conversation with
Mrs. Levice, who swayed to and fro in her rocker, he was intently
conscious of Ruth's white figure perched on the window-sill.

How Mrs. Levice happened to broach the subject, Ruth never knew; but she
was rather startled when she perceived that Kemp was addressing her.

"I should like to show my prowess to you, Miss Levice."

"In what?" she asked, somewhat dazed.

"Ruth, Ruth," laughed her mother, "do you mean to say you have not heard
a word of all my glowing compliments on your rowing?"

"And I was telling your mother that in all modesty I was considered a
fine oar at my Alma Mater."

"And I hazarded the suggestion," added Mrs. Levice, "that as it is such
a beautiful night, there is nothing to prevent your taking a little row,
and then each can judge of the other's claim to superiority?"

"My claim has never been justly established," said Ruth. "I have never
allowed any one to usurp my oars."

"As yet," corrected Kemp. "Then will you wrap something about you and
come down to the river?"

"Certainly she will," answered her mother; "run in and get some wraps,
Ruth."

"You will come too, Mamma?"

"Of course; but considering Dr. Kemp's length, a third in your little
boat will be the proverbial trumpery. Still, I suppose I can rely on you
two crack oarsmen, though you know the slightest tremble in the boat in
the fairest weather is likely to create a squall on my part."

If Dr. Kemp wished to row, he should row; and since the Jewish Mrs.
Grundy was not on hand, anything harmlessly enjoyable was permissible.

Ruth went indoors. This was certainly something she had not bargained
for. How could her mother be so blind as not to know or feel her desire
to evade Dr. Kemp? She felt a positive contempt for herself that his
presence should affect her as it did; she dared not look at him lest her
heart should flutter to her eyes. Probably the display amused him. What
was she to him anyway but a girl wit