On Saturday morning the answer came--
"DEAREST THURSTAN,--Your incomprehensible summons has just
reached me, and I obey, thereby proving my right to my name of
Faith. I shall be with you almost as soon as this letter. I
cannot help feeling anxious, as well as curious. I have money
enough, and it is well I have; for Sally, who guards your room
like a dragon, would rather see me walk the whole way, than have
any of your things disturbed.--Your affectionate sister,"
It was a great relief to Mr. Benson to think that his sister
would so soon be with him. He had been accustomed from childhood
to rely on her prompt judgment and excellent sense; and to her
care he felt that Ruth ought to be consigned, as it was too much
to go on taxing good Mrs. Hughes with night watching and sick
nursing, with all her other claims on her time. He asked her once
more to sit by Ruth, while he went to meet his sister.
The coach passed by the foot of the steep ascent which led up to
Llan-dhu. He took a boy to carry his sister's luggage when they
arrived; they were too soon at the bottom of the hill; and the
boy began to make ducks and drakes in the shallowest part of the
stream, which there flowed glassy and smooth, while Mr. Benson
sat down on a great stone, under the shadow of an alderbush which
grew where the green flat meadow skirted the water. It was
delightful to be once more in the open air, and away from the
scenes and thoughts which had been pressing on him for the last
three days.
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