into a quaint tarantelle that
instantly dispelled the former spell of grandeur.

"An artist," said some one standing near.

"Something more," murmured Kemp, rising as he saw Ruth do so. He was
about to offer her his arm when Mrs. Merrill, a gently-faced woman,
stepped up to them, and laying her hand upon Ruth's shoulder, said
rather hurriedly,--

"I am sorry to trouble you, Doctor, but Mrs. Levice--do not be alarmed,
Ruth dear--has become somewhat hysterical, and we cannot calm her; will
you come this way, please, and no one need know she is in the study."

"My family is making itself prominent to-night," said Ruth, with a
little catch in her voice, as they turned with Mrs. Merrill through the
conservatory and so across the hall.

"I shall be here, Doctor, if you wish anything," said Mrs. Merrill,
standing without as he and Ruth entered and immediately shut the door
after them.

"Stay there," he said with quiet authority to Ruth, and she stood quite
still where he left her. Mrs. Levice was seated in a large easy-chair
with her back to the door; her husband had drawn her head to his bosom.
There was no one else in the room, and for a second not a sound, till
Mrs. Levice began to sob in a frightened manner.

"It's nothing at all, Jules," she cried, trying to laugh and failing
lamentably; "I--I'm only silly."

"There, dear, don't talk." Levice's face was white as he soothingly
stroked her hair.

"Oh!"

The doctor stepped in front of them, and laying both hands upon her
shoulders, motioned Levice aside.

"Hush! Not a word!"

At the sound of his stern, brusque voice, the long quivering shriek
stopped halfway.

"Be perfectly still," he continued, holding her firmly. "Obey this
instant," as she began to whimper; "not a sound must I hear."

Ruth and her father stood spell-bound at the effect of the stranger's
measures. For a moment Mrs. Levice had started in affright to scream;
but the deep, commanding tone, the powerful hands upon her shoulders,
the impressive, unswerving eye that held hers, soon began to act almost
hypnotically. The sobbing gradually ceased; the shaking limbs slowly
regained their calm; and as she sank upon the cushions the strained look
in her eyes melted. She was feebly smiling up at the doctor in response
to his own persuasive smile that gradually succeeded the gravity of his
countenance.

"That is well," said he, speaking soothingly as to a child, and still
keeping his smiling eyes u