"If I must, I must! You would come home for the holidays: we should not
lose you altogether. But oh, Ruth, not yet! Wait until the beginning
of the term. Years ago, when things were at their very worst with me,
and I did not know where to turn for help, God sent my dear husband to
take care of me and you two babies. Perhaps--perhaps something may
happen again. Perhaps, after all, it may not be necessary!"
They kissed each other silently, and parted for the night. Half-way
upstairs Ruth remembered that her mother had not once inquired as to the
nature of the work she intended to undertake, and smiled whimsically to
herself. It was so very characteristic of the irresponsible little
mistress of the household!