"I simply won't!" She turned slowly and, as she turned, effaced every trace of temper with a dexterity which might have given an onlooker a poorer opinion of her character than perhaps the facts as to human nature justify.

The countenance she presently revealed to those upper windows was sunny and sweet.

No one was visible; but the horizontal slats in one of the only closed pair of shutters and a vague suggestion of movement rather than form behind them gave the impression that a woman, not far enough dressed to risk being seen from the street, was hidden there.

Evidently Ruth knew, for it was toward this window that she directed her gaze and the remark: "Can't wait, dear.

I'm in a great hurry.