g the action, "will you allow your
little girl to go with me? Do not detain me with a refusal; it will be
impossible to accept one now, and I shall not be around till then, you
know. Good-morning."

Unwittingly, the doctor had caused an excitement in the hearts both
of mother and daughter. The latter was naturally surprised at his
unexpected invitation, but surprise was soon obliterated by another
and quite different feeling, which she kept rigorously to herself.
Mrs. Levice was in a dilemma about it, and consulted her husband in the
evening.

"By all means, let her go," replied he; "why should you have had any
misgivings about it? I am sure I am glad she is going."

"But, Jules, you forget that none of our Jewish friends allow their
girls to go out with strangers."

"Is that part of our religion?"

"No; but custom is in itself a religion. People do talk so at every
little innovation against convention."

"What will they say? Nothing detrimental either to Ruth or the doctor.
Pshaw, Esther! You ought to feel proud that Dr. Kemp has asked the
child. If she wishes to go, don't set an impossible bogy in the way of
her enjoyment. Besides, you do not care to appear so silly as you would
if you said to the doctor, 'I can't let her go on account of people's
tongues,' and that is the only honest excuse you can offer." So in his
manly, practical way he decided it.

On Saturday night Ruth stood in the drawing-room buttoning her pale
suede glove. Kemp had not yet come in. She looked unusually well in her
dull sage-green gown. A tiny toque of the same color rested on her soft
dark hair. The creamy pallor of her face, the firm white throat revealed
by the broad rolling collar, her grave lips and dreamy eyes, hardly told
that she was feeling a little shy. Presently the bell rang, and Kemp
came in, his open topcoat revealing his evening dress beneath. He came
forward hastily.

"I am a little late," he said, taking her hand, "but it was unavoidable.
Ten minutes to eight," looking at his watch; "the horses must make good
time."

"It is slightly chilly to-night, is it not?" asked Ruth, for want of
something better to say as she turned for her wrap.

"I did not feel it," he replied, intercepting her. "But this furry thing
will keep the cold off, if there is any," he continued, as he held it
for her, and quite unprofessionally bent his head to hook it at her
throat. A strange sensation shot through Ruth as his face approached s