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 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 , XXXXX 's contribution .
John Plumy Randal Ruth Sophie button-hole deuce partaken right tryst