He had wide-enough sympathy to understand that it
must have been a most painful position in which the mother had
been placed, on finding herself under the same roof with a girl
who was living with her son, as Ruth was. And yet he did not like
to apply to her; to write to the son was still more out of the
question, as it seemed like asking him to return. But through one
or the other lay the only clue to her friends, who certainly
ought to be made acquainted with her position. At length he
wrote--
"MADAM,--I write to tell you of the condition of the poor young
woman"--(here came a long pause of deliberation)--"who
accompanied your son on his arrival here, and who was left behind
on your departure yesterday. She is lying (as it appears to me)
in a very dangerous state at my lodgings; and, if I may suggest,
it would be kind to allow your maid to return and attend upon her
until she is sufficiently recovered to be restored to her
friends, if, indeed, they could not come to take charge of her
themselves.--I remain, madam, your obedient servant
THURSTAN BENSON."
The note was very unsatisfactory after all his consideration, but
it was the best he could do. He made inquiry of a passing servant
as to the lady's name, directed the note, and placed it on the
indicated shelf. He then returned to his lodgings, to await the
doctor's coming and the postboy's return. There was no alteration
in Ruth; she was as one stunned into unconsciousness; she did not
move her posture, she hardly breathed.
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