e incidentals had to
be put in running order for a month, and she realized with a pang at
parting with some of her simple, sincere proteges that were this part of
her life withdrawn, the rest would pall insufferably.

The evening before their departure she stood bareheaded upon the steps
of the veranda with Louis, who was enjoying a post-prandial smoke.
Mr. and Mrs. Levice, in the soft golden gloaming of late summer,
were strolling arm-in-arm among the flower-beds. Mrs. Levice, without
obviously looking toward them, felt with satisfaction that Ruth was
looking well in a plain black gown which she had had no time to change
after her late shopping. She did not know that, close and isolated
as the young man and woman stood, not only were they silent, but each
appeared oblivious of the other's presence.

Ruth, with her hands clasped behind her, and Arnold, blowing wreaths
of blue smoke into the heliotrope-scented air, looked as if under a
dream-spell.

As Mrs. Levice passed within ear-shot, Ruth heard snatches of the broken
sentence,--

"Jennie--good-by--to-day."

This roused her from her revery, and she called to her mother,--

"Why, I forgot to drop in at Jennie's this afternoon, as I promised."

"How annoying! When you know how sensitive she is and how angry she gets
at any neglect."

"I can run out there now. It is light enough."

"But it will be dark in less than an hour. Louis, will you go out to
Jennie's with Ruth?"

"Eh? Oh, certainly, if she wishes me."

"I wish you to come if you yourself wish it. I'll run in and get my hat
and jacket while you decide."

Ruth came back in a few minutes with a jaunty little sailor hat on and a
light gray jacket, which she handed to Louis to hold for her.

"New?" he asked, pulling it into place in the back.

"Yes," she answered; "do you like it for travelling?"

"Under a duster. Otherwise its delicate complexion will be rather
freckled when you arrive at Beacham's."

He pulled his hat on from ease to respectability and followed her
down to the gate. They turned the corner, walking southward toward the
valley. Mrs. Levice and her husband stood at the gate and watched them
saunter off. When they were quite out of sight, Mrs. Levice turned
around and sang gayly to Mr. Levice, "'Ca va bien!'"

The other two walked on silently. The evening was perfect. To the west
and sweeping toward Golden Gate a hazy glory flushed the sky rose-color
and molten gold, purple and sil