`` You may , Ruth , for I do sincerely admire the most genuine girl I have seen for a long time . And walking here with you in your bridal white I was just asking myself if I should not be a happier man with a home of my own and a little wife hanging on my arm than drifting about the world as I do now with only myself to care for . '' `` I know you would ! '' and Ruth spoke so earnestly that Randal was both touched and startled , fearing he had ventured too far in a mood of unwonted sentiment , born of the romance of the hour and the sweet frankness of his companion . `` Then you do n't think it would be rash for some sweet woman to take me in hand and make me happy , since fame is a failure ? '' `` Oh , no ; it would be easy work if she loved you . I know some one -- if I only dared to tell her name . '' `` Upon my soul , this is cool , '' and Randal looked down , wondering if the audacious lady on his arm could be shy Ruth . If he had seen the malicious merriment in her eyes he would have been more humiliated still , but they were modestly averted , and the face under the little hat was full of a soft agitation rather dangerous even to a man of the world . `` She is a captivating little creature , but it is too soon for anything but a mild flirtation . I must delay further innocent revelations or I shall do something rash . '' While making this excellent resolution Randal had been pressing the hand upon his arm and gently pacing down the dimly lighted hall with the sound of music in his ears , Ruth 's sweetest roses in his button-hole , and a loving little girl beside him , as he thought . `` You shall tell me by and by when we are in town . I am sure you will come , and meanwhile do n't forget me . '' `` 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 XXXXX , as he stopped short to stare at his companion , sure she was not in earnest .
May Randal Ruth Sophie button-hole deuce fame mood revelations sentiment