"How I have dreamed of it," she murmured. "How did you come to change

your mind?"

"I thought it a pity such a fine jewel should live forever in a safe; and

it will become you above all women. Nature must have had you in her eye

when she designed the ruby. I had a sudden vision ... and made up my mind

that you should wear it the first time I was able to take you to a party.

I must keep the letter of my promise."

"And I can only wear it when you are with me?"

"I am afraid so."

"I'm you, if there is anything in the marriage ceremony." Then she kissed

him impulsively. "But I won't be a little pig. And I can tell everybody

between now and the Thornton fete that I am going to wear it, and I can

think and dream of my triumph meanwhile. But why didn't you let me know

you were down? It is Sunday, our only day. I overslept shockingly. I

didn't get home till two."

"Two? Do you dance until two every night?"

"What else? They lead such a purposeless life out here. We sometimes have

classes--but they don't last long. I have almost forgotten that I once

had a serious mind. But what would you? It is either society or suffrage.

I won't be as serious as that yet. I mean to be young--but young! for

five more years. Then I shall become a 'leader,' or vote for the

President, or ride on a float in a suffrage parade dressed as the Goddess

of Liberty, with my hair down."

He laughed, more and more relieved. "Yes, please remain young until you

are twenty-five. By that time I hope the world will have adjusted itself

and I shall have the leisure to companion you. Meanwhile, be a child. It

is very refreshing to me. Come. I must lock this thing up. I have an

interview here with Spaulding in about ten minutes."

She gave it up reluctantly, kissing it much as she had kissed him during

their engagement; warm, lingering, but almost impersonal kisses. The ruby

seemed miraculously to have restored her beaten youth.

She sat on the edge of a chair as he opened the safe and placed the jewel

in its box and drawer.

"There is one other thing I wanted to ask," he said as he rose. "Is your

allowance sufficient? It has sometimes occurred to me that you wanted

more--for some feminine extravagance."




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