There was a richer crimson than that of the geraniums in the deep window , and a dainty shoe tapped the bare floor impatiently as the brilliant black eyes looked everywhere for the court gentleman , while their owner listened to the gruff prattle of an enamored boy . But in the upper hall walked a little white ghost as if waiting for some shadowy companion , and when a dark form appeared ran to take its arm , saying , in a tone of soft satisfaction , -- `` I was so afraid you would n't come ! '' `` Why did you leave me , Ruth ? '' answered a manly voice in a tone of surprise , though the small hand slipping from the velvet coat-sleeve was replaced as if it was pleasant to feel it there . A pause , and then the other voice answered demurely , -- `` Because I was afraid my head would be turned by the fine things you were saying . '' `` It is impossible to help saying what one feels to such an artless little creature as you are . It does me good to admire anything so fresh and sweet , and wo n't harm you . '' `` It might if -- '' `` If what , my daisy ? '' `` I believed it , '' and a laugh seemed to finish the broken sentence better than the words . `` 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 , XXXXX 's sweetest roses in his button-hole , and a loving little girl beside him , as he thought .
Randal Ruth coat-sleeve daisy geraniums head home prattle satisfaction sentence