disposed to be militant, softened instantly. The action brought back
a flood of memories. It conjured up recollections of peaceful evenings
in the old studio, for this had been a favourite habit of Ruth's. It
made him feel that he loved her more than he had ever done in his life;
and, incidentally, that he was a brute to try and thwart her in anything
whatsoever.
'I know it's horrid for you, dear old boy,' said Ruth coaxingly; 'but
do be good and not make a fuss about it. Not kissing Bill doesn't mean
that you need be any the less fond of him. I know it will be strange at
first, I didn't get used to it for ever so long, but, honestly, it is
for his good, however ghastly the expression of the thing may sound.'
'It's treating the kid like a wretched invalid,' grumbled Kirk.
'You wait till you see him playing, and then you'll know if he's a
wretched invalid or not!'
'May I see him playing?'
'Don't be silly. Of course.'
'I thought I had better ask. Being the perambulating plague-spot I am,
I was not taking any risks.'
'How horribly self-centred you are! You will talk as if you were in
some special sort of quarantine. I keep on telling you it's the same
for all of us.'
'I suppose when I'm with him I shall have to be sterilized?'
'I don't think it necessary myself, but Aunt Lora does, so it's always
done. It humours her, and it really isn't any trouble. Besides, it may
be necessary after all. One never knows, and it's best to be on the
safe side.'
Kirk laid down his cigar firmly, the cold cigar which stress of emotion
had made him forget to keep alight.
'Ruth, old girl,' he said earnestly, 'this is pure lunacy.'
Ruth's fingers wandered idly through his hair. She did not speak for
some moments.
'You will be good about it, won't you, Kirk dear?' she said at last.
It is curious what a large part hair and its treatment may play in the
undoing of strong men. The case of Samson may be recalled in this
connection. Kirk, with Ruth ruffling the wiry growth that hid his
scalp, was incapable of serious opposition. He tried to be morose and
resolute, but failed miserably.
'Oh, very well,' he grunted.
'That's a good boy. And you promise you won't go hugging Bill again?'
'Very well.'
'There's an angel for you. Now I'll fix you a cocktail as a reward.'
'Well, mind you sterilize it carefully.'
Ruth laughed. Having gained her point she could afford to. She made the
cocktail and brought it to him.
'And now I'll be off and dress, and then you can take me out to lunch
somewhere.'
'Aren't you dressed?'
'My goodness, no. Not for going to restaurants. You forget that I'm one
of the idle rich now. I spend my whole day putting on different kinds
