"Both," replied Ruth, promptly. "For I have everything I like--and I like so many things! And everybody does whatever I want them to do. Why, you yourself, Mr. Willoughby! Because I love to dance, you have arranged that ball for to-morrow night. And when I asked you to take me out this second time in the _Shearwater_, you did it at once." "Ah, my lady, with your blue eyes and dark lashes, you little know why!" thought Walter, with an inward laugh. At last he got the boat up to the dilapidated pier again. It was long after dark. He took her to her door, and left her; she must explain her late arrival in her own way. Women, fortunately, are excellent at explanations. But Chase was not there. Twenty minutes afterwards he came in, late in his turn. "You didn't have dinner, Ruthie? I'm sorry you waited; I was detained." "I was very late myself," Ruth answered. "Even now I can't stay," Chase went on, hurriedly; "I came back to tell you, and to get a few things. I am going up to Savannah with Patterson for three or four days, on business. We are to have a special--a mule special--this evening, and hit a steamer. You'd better have your mother to stay with you while I'm away." "Yes. To-morrow." "She could come to-night, couldn't she?" "Yes; but it's late; I won't make her turn out to-night. With seven servants in the house, I am not afraid," Ruth answered. "I only thought you might be lonely?" "I'll sing all my songs to Petie Trone, Esq." He laughed and kissed her. "You must come back soon," she said.