He was surprised that she gave no word or sign of thanks to the
assistant. He took up a camellia that some one had left on the
table.

"Allow me, Miss Duncombe, to give this, in your name, to this
young lady, as thanks for her dexterous help."

"Oh, of course," said she.

Ruth received the flower silently, but with a grave, modest
motion of her head. They had gone, and she was once more alone.
Presently her companions returned.

"What was the matter with Miss Duncombe? Did she come here?"
asked they.

"Only her lace dress was torn, and I mended it," answered Ruth
quickly.

"Did Mr. Bellingham come with her?--they say he's going to be
married to her. Did he come, Ruth?"

"Yes," said Ruth, and relapsed into silence.

Mr. Bellingham danced on gaily and merrily through the night, and
fitted with Miss Duncombe as he thought good. But he looked often
to the side-door where the milliner's apprentices stood; and once
he recognised the tall, slight figure, and the rich auburn hair
of the girl in black; and then his eye sought for the camellia.
It was there, snowy white in her bosom. And he danced on more