ould offer her little that would find
her unequal to the test. Down the broad, deserted avenue, with its dark,
imposing mansions, she hurried as if she were alone in the havocking
elements. The rain beat her and lashed her in the face; she faced it
unflinchingly as a small part of her trials. Without a tremor she ran
up Dr. Kemp's steps. It was only when she stood with her finger on the
bell-button that she realized whom she was about to encounter. Then for
the first time she gave one long sob of self-recollection, and pushed
the button.

Burke almost immediately opened the door. Ruth had no intention of
entering; it would be sufficient to leave her message and hurry home.

"Who's there?" asked Burke, peering out into the darkness. "It's a divil
of a night for any one but--"

"Is Dr. Kemp in?" The sweet woman-voice so startled him that he opened
the door wide.

"Come in, mum," he said apologetically; "come in out of the night."

"No. Is the doctor in?"

"I don't know," he grumbled, "and I can't stand here with the door
open."

"Close it, then, but see if he is in, please."

"I'll lave it open, and ye can come in or stay out according if ye are
dry-humored or wet-soled;" and he shuffled off. The door was open! Her
father had assured her of this once long ago. Inside were warmth and
light; outside, in the shadow, were cold and darkness. Here she stood.
Would the man never return? Ah, here he came hurrying along; she drew
nearer the door; within a half-foot she stood still with locked jaw and
swimming senses.

"My good woman," said the grave, kindly voice which calmed while it
unnerved her, "come in and speak to me here. Am I wanted anywhere? Come
in, please; the door must be closed."

With almost superhuman will she drew herself together and came closer.
Seeing the dark, moving figure, he opened the door wide, and she stepped
in; then as it closed she faced him, turning up her white, haggard face
to his.

"You!"

He recoiled as if stunned, but quickly recovered himself.

"What trouble has brought you to me?" he cried.

"My mother," she replied in a low, stifled voice, adding almost
instantly in a distant and formal tone, "can you come at once? She is
suffering with hysteria and calls you incessantly."

He drew himself up and looked at her with a cold, grand air. This girl
had been the only woman who had signally affected his life; yet if her
only recognition of it was this cold manner, he could command