"Millionaire Schwarmer's daughter as I live," exclaimed Ralph! "Isn't it comical though. I never knew before that dogs _could_ be obsequious! See that brute trying to smile." The girl came on slowly and rather timidly up the long walk, while the dog rushed backward and forward and indulged in all sorts of joyous antics. "Excuse me for coming," she said when she got within speaking distance, "but the dog would have it so." "Dombey knew you would be welcome," replied Ruth. "He met me at the train and followed me all around to every place I went, but when I got to this street he took the lead. I went on but he came after me and cried and took hold of my dress. I guessed what he wanted so I came a little way with him; but when I turned to go back he whined and made such a time of it, that I gave up and came home with him." "And now he wants you to come up on the verandah and rest," laughed Ruth, looking down into the blue eyes. She thought she had never seen any so blue and true looking. "I will a moment, but I can't stay. I came up with father. I wanted to see poor Mary who got scared and lost her baby Fourth of July night." "I heard she was better," said Ruth. "Father heard so too, and thought I hadn't better come, but I would come. I know she feels bad about her baby and I want to tell her how sorry I am and how much I blame Mr. Bombs." The blue eyes filled with tears. "Fireworks are dangerous things," said Ruth. She felt her own eyes getting misty and she was wondering if Schwarmer's daughter knew of their action in regard to the Schwarmer fireworks. "Yes, they are dangerous," said Miss Schwarmer, "and they are horrid--all that I have ever seen; and I blame father for ever buying such awful things to give away. I don't believe he ever will any more. There are so many pretty things to buy." "Bless your heart," said Ruth. "I'm sure he never will if you ask him not to." "I _have_ asked him not to and I've blamed him. He is going to let me buy things after this, for the children here." "O that will be lovely," exclaimed Ruth--"then we shall see you often shall we not?" "I wish I could stay here always," said Miss Schwarmer. "I don't like to travel but we're all going over to London with Mr. Bombs. I don't like him, though he _is_ honest with me. I blame him for not being honest with others. Father says he was educated to amuse and mystify the people. Isn't it horrid to be mystified?" Ruth assured her it was and then she left with Dombey at her heels. "Dombey knows," said Ruth; "and it's no wonder. She is so good and honest." "The wonder is that Mr. Schwarmer should have such a child," said Ralph, "or Mrs. Schwarmer either from all we hear about her. What a pity that she should be dragged around the world against her will; but she 'blames' them and no doubt but they need her blame."