Her dress, of some gossamer material, had been looped up by nosegays of flowers, and one of these had fallen off in the dance, leaving her gown to trail.

To repair this, she had begged her partner to bring her to the room where the assistants should have been.

None were there but Ruth.
"Shall I leave you ?" asked the gentleman.

"Is my absence necessary ?" "Oh, no!" replied the lady.

"A few stitches will set all to rights.
Besides, I dare not enter that room by myself." So far she spoke sweetly and prettily.