He began patting his dog, which had followed Ruth in-doors, and a moment of constraint fell upon the little party.
"She is shy," said Dare to himself.

"She is adorably shy." Ruth's quiet, self-possessed voice dispelled that pleasing illusion.
"I have had a very exhausting afternoon with Mrs.Eccles, Aunt Fanny, and I have come to you for a cup of tea before I go back to Atherstone." "Why did you walk so far this hot afternoon, my dear?
and how are Mrs.
Danvers and Lady Mary?
and is any one else staying there?
and, my dear, _are_ the dolls finished ?" "They are," said Ruth.

"They are all outrageously fashionable.

Even Molly is satisfied.

There is to be a school-feast here to-morrow," she added, turning to Dare, who appeared bewildered at the turn the conversation was taking.