Then Ruth and I had a talk.

I had asked her to go home with me, and she had refused because she is so afraid of outwearing her welcome.

Then came Father's letter.
Ruth was a dear about that.

She said at once that if I wished to go home and felt that I needed her she would go, but I couldn't bear to think of spending Christmas in that big, lonely house.

It is Father that makes it seem so wonderful to go home." Arline's lip quivered piteously.