It has been proved too often." She rose and came to Ruth.

She set her arm about her waist again, and poured shrewd persuasion over her cousin s indecision.

"To-night you'll thank me for this thought," she assured her.

"Why do you pause?
Are you so selfish as to think more of the little humiliation that may await you than of Richard's life and honour ?" "No, no," Ruth protested feebly.
"What, then?
Is Richard to go out and slay his honour by a show of fear before he is slain, himself, by the man he has insulted ?" "I'll go," said Ruth.

Now that the resolve was taken, she was brisk, impatient.