The maneuver seemed to be a mere politeness, but Ruth knew better.

What fate had intended as her lucky day was being changed into unlucky by this cousin of hers.
Ruth walked sullenly along, hot tears in her eyes and a choke in her throat, as she listened to Sam's flatterings of her cousin, and to Susan's laughing, delighted replies.

She tried to gather herself together, to think up something funny or at least interesting with which to break into the _tete-a-tete_ and draw Sam to herself.

She could think nothing but envious, hateful thoughts.

At the doors of Warham and Company, wholesale and retail grocers, the three halted.
"I guess I'll go to Vandermark's," said Ruth.