"I'm afraid you're right," he said.
"Not as things are now he surely mustn't.

But--but, Mrs.Ruth--" "Oh, don't!" impatiently.

"Don't use that silly 'Mrs.' any longer.
Aren't you the--the best friend I have in the world?
Do call me Ruth." If she had been looking at his face just then she might have seen-- things.

But she was not looking.

There was an interval of silence before he spoke.
"Well, then--er--Ruth--" he faltered.
"That's right.