`` I am going in the spring , but I shall not be with Sophie , '' answered Ruth , in a whisper . `` With whom then ? I shall long to see you . '' `` With my husband . I am to be married in May . '' `` The deuce you are ! '' escaped Randal , as he stopped short to stare at his companion , sure she was not in earnest . But she was , for as he looked the sound of steps coming up the back stairs made her whole face flush and brighten with the unmistakable glow of happy love , and she completed Randal 's astonishment by running into the arms of the young minister , saying with an irrepressible laugh , `` Oh , John , why did n't you come before ? '' The court gentleman was all right in a moment , and the coolest of the three as he offered his congratulations and gracefully retired , leaving the lovers to enjoy the tryst he had delayed . But as he went down stairs his brows were knit , and he slapped the broad railing smartly with his cocked hat as if some irritation must find vent in a more energetic way than merely saying , `` Confound the little baggage ! '' under his breath . Such an amazing supper came from Aunt Plumy 's big pantry that the city guests could not eat for laughing at the queer dishes circulating through the rooms , and copiously partaken of by the hearty young folks . Doughnuts and cheese , pie and pickles , cider and tea , baked beans and custards , cake and cold turkey , bread and butter , plum pudding and French bonbons , Sophie 's contribution . `` May I offer you the native delicacies , and share your plate ? Both are very good , but the china has run short , and after such vigorous exercise as you have had you must need refreshment . I 'm sure I do ! '' said Randal , bowing before Emily with a great blue platter laden with two doughnuts , two wedges of pumpkin pie and two spoons . The smile with which she welcomed him , the alacrity with which she made room beside her and seemed to enjoy the supper he brought , was so soothing to his ruffled spirit that he soon began to feel that there is no friend like an old friend , that it would not be difficult to name a sweet woman who would take him in hand and would make him happy if he cared to ask her , and he began to think he would by and by , it was so pleasant to sit in that green corner with waves of crimson brocade flowing over his feet , and a fine face softening beautifully under his eyes . The supper was not romantic , but the situation was , and Emily found that pie ambrosial food eaten with the man she loved , whose eyes talked more eloquently than the tongue just then busy with a doughnut . Ruth kept away , but glanced at them as she served her company , and her own happy experience helped her to see that all was going well in that quarter .
Saul and XXXXX emerged from the back entry with shining countenances , but carefully avoided each other for the rest of the evening .
Doughnuts Emily John Plumy Sophie deuce doughnut partaken spoons tryst