And his eyes no less than his tone showed that he meant it.

He hadn't realized what a soft white neck the blond cousin had, or how perfectly her shoulders rounded into her slim arms.

As Ruth moved to depart, he said: "Don't be in such a rush.

Wait till Susie finishes her primping and comes down." "She had to help me," said Ruth, with a righteousness she could justly plume herself upon.

"That's why she's late.