“Delicate hint,” replied Winfield. “It would take a social strategist to perceive your hidden meaning. Still, my finer sensibilities respond instantly to your touch, and I will go. I flatter myself that I've never had to be put out yet, when I've been calling on a girl. Some subtle suggestion like yours has always been sufficient.” “Don't be cross, dear--let's see how soon you can get to the bottom of the hill. You can come back at four o'clock.” He laughed and turned back to wave his hand at her. She wafted a kiss from the tips of her fingers, which seemed momentarily to impede his progress, but she motioned him away and ran into the house. Aunt Jane was nowhere to be seen, so she went on into the kitchen to help Uncle James with the potatoes. He had peeled almost a peck and the thick parings lay in a heap on the floor. “My goodness'” she exclaimed. “You'd better throw those out, Uncle, and I'll put the potatoes on to boil.” He hastened out, with his arms full of peelings. “You're a real kind woman, Niece Ruth,” he said gratefully, when he came in. “You don't favour your aunt none--I think you're more like me.” Mrs. Ball entered the kitchen with a cloud upon her brow, and in one of those rare flashes of insight which are vouchsafed to plodding mortals, a plan of action presented itself to Ruth. “Aunty,” she said, before Mrs. Ball had time to speak, “you know I'm going back to the city to-morrow, and I'd like to send you and Uncle James a wedding present--you've been so good to me. What shall it be?” “Well, now, I don't know,” she answered, visibly softening, “but I'll think it over, and let you know.” “What would you like, Uncle James?” “You needn't trouble him about it,” explained his wife. “He'll like whatever I do, won't you, James?” “Yes'm, just as you say.” After dinner, when Ruth broached the subject of furniture, she was gratified to find that Aunt Jane had no serious objections. “I kinder hate to part with it, Ruth,” she said, “but in a way, as you may say, it's yours.” “'Tisn't like giving it away, Aunty--it's all in the family, and, as you say, you're not using it.” “That's so, and then James and me are likely to come and make you a long visit, so I'll get the good of it, too.” Ruth was momentarily stunned, but rallied enough to express great pleasure at the prospect. As Aunt Jane began to clear up the dishes, Mr. Ball looked at his niece, with a certain quiet joy, and then, unmistakably, winked. “When you decide about the wedding present, Aunty, let me know, won't you?” she asked, as Mrs. Ball came in after the rest of the dishes. “Mr. Winfield would like to send you a remembrance also.” Then Ruth added, to her conscience, “I know he would.” “He seems like a pleasant-spoken feller,” remarked Aunt Jane. “You can ask him to supper to-night, if you like.” “Thank you, Aunty, but we're going to Miss Ainslie's.”