roses, and then opened the envelope.

"From Louis!" she exclaimed delightedly. "Poor fellow! he was dreadfully
upset when he came in. He did not say much, but his look and hand-shake
were enough as he bent to kiss me. Do you know, Ruth, I think our Louis
has a very loving disposition?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Yes. One would not think so, judging from his manner; but I know him to
be unusually sympathetic for a man. I would sooner have him for a friend
than many a woman; he has not many equals among the young men I know.
Don't you agree with me, girlie?"

"Oh, yes; I always liked Louis."

"How coldly you say that! And, by the way, it struck me as very queer
last night that you did not kiss him after his absence of a week. Since
when has this formal hand-shake come into use?"

A slight flush crimsoned Ruth's cheek.

"It is not my fault," she said, smiling; "I always kissed Louis even
after a day's absence. But some few months ago he inaugurated the new
regime, and holds me at arm's length. I can't ask him why, when he looks
at me so matter-of-factly through his eyeglass, can I?"

"No; certainly not." A slight frown marred the complacency of Mrs.
Levice's brow. Such actions were not at all in accordance with her
darling plan. Arnold was much to her; but she wished him to be more.
This was a side-track upon which she had not wished her train to move.

Her cogitations took a turn when she heard a quick, firm footfall in the
hall.

Ruth anticipated the knock, and opened the door to the doctor.

Bowing slightly to her, he advanced rather hurriedly to the bedside. He
had not taken off his gloves, and a certain air of purposeful gravity
replaced his usual leisurely manner.

"Good-morning, Mrs. Levice," he said, taking her hand in his, and
looking searchingly down at her. "How are you feeling this morning? Any
starts or shakes of any sort?"

"No; I am beginning to feel as impassive and stupid as a well-fed
animal. Won't you sit down, Doctor?"

"No; I have a consultation in a very short time. Keep right on as you
have been doing. I do not think it will be necessary for me to call for
several days now; probably not before Friday."

"And to-day is Tuesday! Am I to see no one till then?"

"No one but those you have seen. Pray do not complain, Mrs. Levice,"
he continued rather sternly. "You are a very fortunate invalid; illness
with you is cushioned in every conceivable corner. I wish I could make
you divide some of your b