"Possibly. But not having been brought up by your father, I think
differently, and perhaps am different. Their ways are not my ways; and
what good can you expect from such association?"

"Why, pleasant companionship. What wouldst thou more?"

"I? Not even that. But tell me, can't you dissuade Aunt Esther from
going to-night? Tell your father, and let him judge if you had better
not."

"I really think Mamma would not care to go, for she said as much to
Father; but, averse as he generally is to going out, he insists on our
going to-night, and, what is more, intends to accompany us, although
Louis is going also. But if you think Mamma is seriously run down, I
shall tell him immediately, and--"

A blithe voice at the door interrupted her, calling:

"Open the door, Ruth; my hands are full."

She rose hastily, and with a signal of silence to her loquacious cousin,
opened the door for her mother.

"Ah, Jennie, how are your, dear? But let us inspect this box which Nora
has just handed me, before we consider you;" and Mrs. Levice softly
deposited a huge box upon Ruth's lace-enveloped bed.

She was still bonneted and gloved, and with a slight flush in her clear
olive cheek she looked like anything but a subject for fears. From the
crown of her dainty bonnet to the point of her boot she was the picture
of exquisite refinement; tall, beautifully formed, carrying her head
like a queen, gowned in perfect, quiet elegance, she appeared more like
Ruth's older sister than her mother.

"Ruth's gown for this evening," she announced, deftly unfolding the
wrappings.

"Yellow!" exclaimed Mrs. Lewis, in surprise.

"Corn-color," corrected Mrs. Levice, playfully; "how do you think it
will suit my girlie?" She continued, shaking out the clinging silken
crepe.

"Charmingly; but I thought Ruth objected to anything but white."

"So she does; she thinks white keeps her unnoticed among the rest. This
time, however, my will overrode hers. Eh, Daughter?"

The girl made a low courtesy.

"I am only lady-in-waiting to your Majesty, O Queen," she laughed. She
had hardly glanced at the gown, being engaged in a silent scrutiny of
her mother's face.

"And how is my prime minister this afternoon?" Mrs. Levice was drawing
off her gloves, and Ruth's look of pained discovery passed unnoticed.

"I have not been down since luncheon," she replied.

"What! Then go down at once and bring him up. I must see that he gets
out of his studiousness and