Her shy innocence was contagious.

He felt an awkward country lout.
"Well, I suppose I must go." "But you'll come again--sometime ?" she asked wistfully.

It was her first real beau--the first that had interested her--and what a dream lover of a beau he looked, standing before her in that wonderful light! "Come?
Rather!" exclaimed he in a tone of enthusiasm that could not but flatter her into a sort of intoxication.

"I'd have hard work staying away.

But Ruth--she'll always be here." "Oh, she goes out a lot--and I don't." "Will you telephone me--next time she's to be out ?" "Yes," agreed she with a hesitation that was explained when she added: "But don't think you've got to come.