Glenloch Girls

r the baluster from the hall above. "Why, papa," said a dismayed voice, "you're very ea

ding to be very much hurt. "Shall I go out and walk up

n three minutes and a half. Don't get interested

fully, and Ruth flew off to her room to

Now, Popsy, sit down here," she said, leading him to the big armchair and sitting down in f

nswered meekly; "it'

er, I b

is that?" stil

less my soul, so

we're going to celebrate it just by ourselves. Y

hough, that I shan't be a very good birthday boy, for there are some bus

Ruth, surprised. "Why

you about bus

t it's only fair to tell you about them before I decide. However, we

dinner will be ready in a few minutes, and I

rthday, without more surprises. Give it to me by degrees,

other girl had such a great, strong, handsome papa. "He's my very best chum

foot of the stairs with a sweeping courtesy. He responded with a ceremo

ed tone. "It makes me feel dreadfully gr

en is old enough, and I don't want my g

k until I get you into your chair," said

is place at the table. Then she slipped around to her own

efore he had opened his eyes. "This is

"but I planned it every bit myself. I thought I would make it

illed the candelabra at the ends of the table. Broad, pink satin ribbons, with rosebuds and maidenhair fern dropped upon them at intervals, ran from the flower bowl in

n. "You see I made it myself, and I thought I couldn't possibly wait all through dinner for it to be put on, so I told Ma

yourself?" asked papa, looking at her admiringly. "To think I s

ever since the first o

ra said that this one

oo long over your supp

we are all by ourse

il then?" said Mr. Shirley, beginning

hed so much that she had scarcely time to eat. The cake was a great success, and Mr. Shirley praised

left the table and went into the cozy library. "Si

r in the desk and took out a small box. "This is for the best of fa

d the box. Inside was a velvet case and opening that he f

n your watch-chain," sa

beautifully painted. One of Ruth with merry brown eyes and brown curls tied in a knot

lf so well as these, so I took the money Uncle Jerry sent me last birthda

r. Shirley with an odd little choke in his voice. "Those are the two de

the business plans. It makes me feel very important

o spoil our pleasant evening together. Shan't we get the birth

about 'never putting off until tomorrow,' etc., etc. No, sir,"

antic and interesting. I think I should go out as a cook, and perhaps you could get a place as butler in the same house

his head and laughed.

think you'll be oblig

o disappoint you, but

lost an

and I'll listen very quietly," said Ruth p

loser; "it has been decided that it will be a profitable thing for us to open a branch house in German

ands. "Why should you think that would make me unhappy,

t make myself think that it would be right or wise to take you over there with me for the first year. For six months, at le

only see you once in a while," cried Ruth with quiveri

it still seems to me better for you not to go over

and I can't get along without you. Besides," she said, checking her tears and looking at him with a pitiful attempt at a smil

rls with a remorseful hand. At last when it seemed to him that he could bear it no longer she raised her t

, let me help you wipe your eyes, darling. You need something

Then as she lay back in his arms quite tired out after her storm of tears she said

w hard it would be to find a suitable home for such an attractive young person as you are. If Uncle Jerry would

as that?" asked Ruth, looking at him wit

get to Germany the better it will be for the business, and if you and I

her hands. She was determined not to cry agai

ur mind, papa," she said at last very

ither go to school, have some one come and live with yo

thoughtfully, "but now it seems to me I should hate it. And I should simply d

re several reasons why I should prefer to give that up for this year. That leaves plan numb

asked Ruth, beginnin

ere in some place where we had never been together. Just as I was thinking this all over for the hundredth time this morning a letter came from my old college chum, Henr

Hamilton," said Ruth musingly. "Didn't the

hley, and you remember that funny story mamma used to te

d they lost Mary Ashley's mother, who was taking care of

ton in a very delightful home, and when that letter reminded me of them today I thought a

y children in

sixteen," repli

they'll want to take a strange girl into their family for a whole ye

have you with them," said Mr. Shirley. "Now if you agree with me that it is best to t

when I think of being without you, papa," she said slowly, "that I can't make any ch

ly, "Darling, go to bed now and try to sleep. Perhaps in the morning things wil

apa; I'll be a better chum tomorrow," she said wi