The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-02
The Turn Of The Scale
By KATHERINE S. MAcQuolD

erless. She had noted his changed manner
towards Ruth. but had understood 1t diff
ferently At first, on learning the girls
age. she had opposed her coming to Logans.
When Michael overrued her opposition she
determined that Ruth should not find her
home with them pleasant.
Ruths proposal to go TO the Searles re-
joiced her hostess She had heard the
scandal about handsome, extravagant Da-
vid Seare: he would captivate lively girl
like Ruth at first sight. The young pair
would make a match of 1T, and for a time
doubtless the young fellow would reform.
Anyway she and Michael would be left in
peace. Then came a REVELATION. Some
thing constrained in the girls usually
frank manner her sudden. blush. went
straight as an arrow to Hilda Willmott
and transfixed her with jealousy. Ruth
was artful She had deceived her. She
loved Michael in spite of all. That was
why she shrank from telling him she
wished to go away.
Miss Willmott drew her long fingers
slowly across her gray-green eyes, yelled
just now by their light lashes; then she
sat down again with deep breath of relief.
She had shielded Michael before to-day.
If he really was unwise enough to care for
Ruth she could now save him from folly.
She hesitated over ways and means. She
promised herself she would only tell him
the truth. But-she hesitated again-well,
there was no need to tell everything, she
thought, for appearances might be nearer
the truth than her mere guesses. This was
a sop to an uneasy misgiving.
nd al
firmly that she was not untruthful: why
should she fear that she might lie to Mi
chael? She was always right; he had often
told her so in the old days. when her COM
pany had been enough for him. Why need
she mistrust her own judgment?
She heard the door of his office open and
felt sure he was coming to tell her he was
again leaving home. This would indeed be
a help; it would make everything easy. On
his return she need only say that Ruth
had asked leave to visit the Searles and
had said she needed change.
She waited, but Michael did not come
straight to her parlor. She heard him go
round to the stables She sat waiting;
something told her he would come.
So he did an hour later, with the news
she hoped for. He was going to Scotland
for a week, and must start early next
morning Michael fingered as though he
had more to say, but he kept silence. AT
last Hlda rose and moved towards the
door, Her brother began to speak and
then hesitated.
what is it. dear?''
do you think Ruth is we'll? She looks
pale and thin
His sisters anger rose in a sudden wave,
but she kept Ii down.
az believe she has tired of our quiet
ways" she smiled, compassionately. "She
wants amusement, younger companions. Is
II not natural at her age?"
This question was in answer to her broth
er's start of seeming alarm at her first
words.
yes" he said, sadly, "of course we
make dull company for a young. bright girl.
She wants change. Suppose you take her
to Norwich, show her the Cathedral and so
on. She cares for old buildings. You might
so by way OF Ely and Ipswich. This side
of England is new to her."
Miss Willmott was mad with jealousy.
Her anger broke into a laugh.
Sometimes L wish you'd had younger
sister, then you'd understand girls. l really
don't think Ruth is pining for cathedrals."
Michael looked hard at her. Hilda's only
fault he thought was that of too great
reticence in speech. yet this very quality
made her superior to ordinary women who
talked "nothings'' by the hour.
"You mean something by that Hilda.
What do you think Ruth wants.
81 do not think, dear boy-I know that
she wants to see Mr.. Searle. You should
hear her talk of him. Is his name David?
Michael was taken by surprise. He felt
a hot flush on his own brown face. He
said, abruptly:
mo; the fathers name is not David.
Has Ruth spoken to you about ithis?"
Yes" She paused. II fancy it was a
confidence. you know. She shrinks from
consulting you she said so.''
Does she?"
Enthusiastically She said she would be
very grateful If would tell you.
Tell me what?' he said, irritably. 81
beg your pardon, but do you mean that she
wants my permission to go back to the
Searles?'
His sister answered him very calmly:
Eyes; 1 think she wants me to get your
permission so that she may go to them
when they ask her. She so dislikes to
speak to you on the subject. / can't tell
you why--but you can give good guess
1 should like to the dear girl happy
felt sure David was not DID, she ended
with laugh.
He looked at her again as il he must
speak out, but words did not come. His
sisters next sentence helped to calm him
I'VE need not worry about it. / will find
out what the dear girl wishes while you
are away. I'll propose the journey you
suggest and hear what she thinks about it. "