of the magazines
scattered about. As she sat down, she found herself opposite a
stout Irishwoman, coarsely but cleanly dressed, who with undisguised
admiration took in every detail of Ruth's appearance. She overlooked the
evident simplicity of the woman's stare; but the wistful, yearning look
of a little girl who reclined upon the lounge caused her to sit with her
magazine unopened. As soon as she perceived that it was her flowers that
the child regarded so longingly, she bent forward, and holding out a few
roses, said invitingly,--

"Would you like these?"

There is generally something startling in the sudden sound of a voice
after a long silence between strangers; but the pretty cadence of Ruth's
gentle voice bore no suggestion of abruptness.

"Indeed, and she just do dote on 'em," answered the mother, in a loud
tone, for the blushing child.

"So do I," responded Ruth; and leaning farther forward, she put them in
the little hand.

But the child's hand did not close over them, and the large eyes turned
piteously to her mother.

"It's paralyzed she is," hurriedly explained the mother. "Shall Mamma
hold the beautiful roses for ye, darlint?"

"Please," answered the childish treble.

Ruth hesitated a second, and then rising and bending over her said,--

"No; I know of a better way. Wouldn't you like to have me fasten them in
your belt? There, now you can smell them all the time."

"Roses is what she likes mostly," proceeded the mother, garrulously,
"and she's for giving the doctor one every time she can when he comes.
Faith! it's about all he do get for his goodness, for what with--"

The sudden opening of the folding-door interrupted her flow of talk.
Seeing the doctor standing on the threshold as a signal for the next in
waiting to come forward, the poor woman arose preparatory to helping her
child into the consulting-room.

"Let me help Mamie, Mrs. O'Brien," said he, coming toward her. At the
same moment the elegant-looking woman rose from her chair and swept
toward him.

"I believe it is my turn," she said, in response to his questioning
salutation.

"Certainly, if you came before Mrs. O'Brien. If so, walk in," he
answered, moving the portiere aside for the other to enter.

"Sure, Doctor," broke in Mrs. O'Brien, anxiously, "we came in together."

"Indeed!" He looked from the florid, flustered face to the haughtily
impassive woman beside her.

"Well, then," said he, courteously, "I know Mrs. O'Brie