Chapter XIV.
Plots and Counter-plots.
"Ruth," called Robert Pearson, when he and John were within easy hailing distance, "have you no eyes for your cousin or for—" but Ruth had heard, and, stopping suddenly, waited for the two men to come up to her. Her greeting was cordial, but a little more restrained than it might have been had it been either John or Robert instead of both.
Her cousin noticed this at once, and before Ruth had more than said she was glad to see them, said, in a cheerful but earnest way, "Let's get down to business at once, Ruth, and blow the poetry of courtship to the winds. There is no time for it now."
Ruth blushed as her eyes wandered towards John, and he was very rosy, and so the more handsome in her eyes; but his quick glance spoke volumes, and Ruth knew they had met her for a serious purpose.
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