He's not a
gentleman, though. If it had not been for his deformity, I should
not have made him out from your description; you called him a
gentleman."
"And don't you?" asked Ruth, surprised.
"Oh, no! he's regularly shabby and seedy in his appearance;
lodging, too, the ostler told me, over that horrible
candle-and-cheese shop, the smell of which is insufferable twenty
yards off--no gentleman could endure it; he must be a traveller
or artist, or something of that kind."
"Did you see his face?" asked Ruth.
"No; but a man's back--his tout ensemble has character enough in
it to decide his rank."
"His face was very singular; quite beautiful!" said she softly;
but the subject did not interest Mr. Bellingham, and he let it
drop.
CHAPTER VI
TROUBLES GATHER ABOUT RUTH
The next day the weather was brave and glorious; a perfect
"bridal of the earth and sky;" and every one turned out of the
inn to enjoy the fresh beauty of nature. Ruth was quite
unconscious of being the object of remark; and, in her light,
rapid passings to and fro, had never looked at the doors and
windows, where many watchers stood observing her, and commenting
upon her situation or her appearance.
"She's a very lovely creature," said one gentleman, rising from
the breakfast-table to catch a glimpse of her as she entered from
her morning's ramble. "Not above sixteen I should think. Very
modest and innocent-looking in her white gown!"
His wife, busy administering to the wants of a fine little boy,
could only say (without seeing the young girl's modest ways, and
gentle, downcast countenance)--
"Well! I do think it's a shame such people should be allowed to
come here.
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