"I am entirely at your service." He turned a little to Ruth.

"I see that you have a most determined cavalier.

I suppose he'll instantly abduct you and sweep you away from beneath my eyes ?" She made a vague gesture of denial.
"Go ahead," said the leader.

"By the way, my name is John Mark." "I'm Doone--some call me Ronicky Doone." "I'm glad to know you, Ronicky Doone.

I imagine that name fits you.
Now tell me the story of why you came to this house; of course it wasn't to see a girl!" "You're wrong! It was." "Ah ?" In spite of himself the face of John Mark wrinkled with pain and suspicious rage.
"I came to see a girl, and her name, I figure, is Caroline Smith." Relief, wonder, and even a gleam of outright happiness shot into the eyes of John Mark.