What is it, Ruth ?" There was no answer.

Then the voice began again, silken-smooth and gentle, so gentle and kindly that Ronicky Doone started.

"In the old days you used to keep nothing from me; we were companions, Ruth.

That was when you were a child.

Now that you are a woman, when you feel more, think more, see more, when our companionship should be like a running stream, continually bringing new things into my life, I find barriers between us.