Other Things Being Equal

Chapter XVII

CHAPTER XVII ONDAY NIGHT had come. As Ruth half hid a paleyellow bud in her heavy, low-coiled hair, the gravity of her mien seemed to deepen. This was partially the result of her father's expressive countenance and voice. If he had smiled, it had been such a faint flicker that it was forgotten in the look of repression which had followed. In the afternoon he had spoken a few disturbing words to her: "I have told your mother that Dr. Kemp is coming to discuss a certain project and desires your presence. She intends to go to bed early, and there is nothing to prevent your receiving him." At the distantly courteous tone she raised a pair of startled eyes. He was regarding her patiently, as if awaiting some remark. "Surely you don't want me to be present at this interview?" she questioned, her voice slightly trembling. "Not only that, but I want your most earnest attention and calm reasoning powers to be brought with you. You have not forgotten what I told you to consider, Ruth?" "No, father." She felt, though in a greater degree, as she had often felt in childhood, when, in taking her to task for some naughtiness, he had worn this same sad and distant look. He had never punished her nominally; the pain he himself showed had always affected her as the severest reprimand never could have done. She looked like a peaceful, sweet-faced nun in her simple white gown, which fell in long, straight folds to her feet; not another touch of color was upon her. A calmness pervaded her whole person as she paced the softly lighted drawing-room and waited for Kemp. 188 OTHER THINQS BEINQ EQUAL 189 When he was shown into the room, her tranquillity struck him immediately. She stood quite still as he came toward her. Without doubt he had some old-time manners, for, first of all, he raised her hand in reverence to his lips. The curious, well-known flush rose slowly to her sensitive face at the action. When he had caught her swiftly to him, a long sigh escaped her, "What is it?" he asked, drawing her down to a seat beside him, "Tired of me already, love?" "Not of you; of waiting," she said, half-shyly meeting his look, "I hardly hoped for this moment," he said after a pause, "Has your father flown bodily from the enemy and left you to face him alone?" "Not exactly. But it really was kind of him to keep away for a while, wasn't it?" she asked naively, "It was surprisingly kind. But I suppose you will have to make your exit on his entrance," "No," she laughed softly, "I am going to play the role of audience tonight. He expressly wants me to stay. But if you differ—" He looked at her curiously. The earnestness with which she had greeted him settled like a mask upon his face. The hand which held hers drew it quickly to his breast, "I think it's well that you stay," he said, "because we agree at any rate on the main point—that we love each other. Always that, darling?" "Always that—love," The low, sweet voice which, for the first time, so caressed him thrilled him madly, but a measured step was heard in the hall, and Ruth moved like a bird to a chair. He could not know that the sound of the step had given her the momentary courage to address him thus. He arose deferentially as Levice entered. The two men formed a striking contrast, Kemp stood tall, stalwart, straight as an arrow; Levice, with his short stature, his stooping shoulders, and his silvery hair falling about and softening somewhat his plain Jewish face, served as a foil to the other's bright, handsome address . 190 OTHER THINQS BEINQ EQUAL Kemp came forward to meet him and grasped his hand. Nothing is more thoroughly expressive than this cordial shaking of hands between men. It is a freemasonry which women, in their careless hand-touch, lack, and are the losers thereby. The kiss is a sign of emotion; the hand-clasp bespeaks strong esteem or otherwise. Levice's hand closed tightly around the doctor's; there was a great feeling of mutual respect between these two. "How are you and your wife?" asked the doctor, seating himself in...