The Washington times., 1920-02-20
CHAPTER XXxvII.
7 AURA greeted Ruth affection
atcly when che appeared at
the Rodney home at Q o'clock

AURA greeted jtuth ancctlOn-
ately when che appeared at
- the Rodney home at o o'clock
that afternoon.
you dear thing! am so glad
to see YOU" Laura exclaimed. you
are just in time to have a cup of
tea up in the library with Hugh
and me-"
Are you quite we'll again." Ruth
queried. You had a bad time with
your throat, didn't your
Yes, tut that IL all over now.
except that / still feel a bit wob-
bly," Laura smiled.
She was always bright and jolly
when she had half-a-chance to be,
and Ruth foresaw that her own
task in this home would be light
ened by Laura's presence. Already
she was cheered by the girls gay
manner. II a part OF this manner
were assumed, il was but proof OF
the sisters devotion to the brother.
Everything seemed to center about
Hugh.
"Comc upstairs and lay of your
hat and coat" Laura commanded.
When the girls were together in
Laura's room. Ruth spoke timidly.
Are you sure, dear. that you
will remember to address ME as
Doris in Hughs presence? 1t
would never do to slip up on that.
you know"
"Oh, / will be very careful not to
make any mistakes" Laura prom
Used. .If l do forget, do not an
swer me-"
you think--don't you" Ruth
asked anxiously. that ] Will be able
tn ~ yyhn
i really ann"
"Yes, ] do" Laura assured her. 81
never noticed before how much
alike you sisters are in figure and
voice. Now | can understand how
you have been able to deceive Hugh.
Were l in the dark. ] would fancy
that you were Doris--for your tone
is just like hers. And your way OF
laughing is somewhat like hers. too.
And Hugh-poor darling-is In the
dark always. even when his eyes
seem wide open"
Her voice trembled.
There, there. dear" Ruth sooth-
ed, putting her arms about her
friend. 1--WE must believe that he is
going to get well, you know"
But his sight" Laura falter-
ed.
Even without that, he may be
very useful In the world" Ruth in
sisted. Your father has already
told him that his presence In his Of
flee will be very valuable. More
over, we must not look ahead"
Lsura's face frightened. you in
spire one with courage, dear. No
wonder Hugh wants you with him"
But he does not want met is
Doris he wants" Ruth corrected.
"And It Is up to me to keep him
from suspectlng I am not she. Now
shall we go to him7"
At the door OF the library, Laura
spoke her first lines in the little
drama that was to be staged in
this room.
Come right In. Doris" she said
clearly. Hugh, here is a caller
for YOU. will order tea sent up
then ] will come back and have IL
with you--if you do not mind"
when the portieres had dropped
behind Laura, Ruth spoke.
"IIow are you feeling today.
Hugh7" bending to kiss him on
the forehead.
"You did not forbid my kissing
you In conventional way he
reminded her teasingly. 80 I am
going to give you just one KISS
whenever you come, and ono when
you go"
when he had carried out the first
part OF his threat he asked
"Dld Laura say she Is coming
back In here7"
ayes, for tea with you and me-"
Ruth replied.
81 hoped we would have n littlo
time alone together" he regretted.
80 we shall, for ] am going to
stay TO dinner. Laura asked me
to-"
Good" he laughed in his delight.
Laura Is q star OF sister. isn't she7
And she II mighty fond OF you,
too, although until lately 7 always
fancied that she preferred Ruth