"Miss Benson--Mr. Benson's sister," she replied.
The words conveyed no knowledge to Ruth; on the contrary, weak as
a babe in mind and body as she was, her lips began to quiver, and
her eyes to show a terror similar to that of any little child who
wakens in the presence of a stranger, and sees no dear, familiar
face of mother or nurse to reassure its trembling heart.
Miss Benson took her hand in hers, and began to stroke it
caressingly.
"Don't be afraid, dear; I'm a friend come to take care of you.
Would you like some tea now, my love ?"
The very utterance of these gentle words was unlocking Miss
Benson's heart. Her brother was surprised to see her so full of
interest when he came to inquire later on in the morning. It
required Mrs. Hughes's persuasions, as well as his own, to induce
her to go to bed for an hour or two after breakfast; and, before
she went, she made them promise that she should be called when
the doctor came. He did not come until late in the afternoon. The
invalid was rallying fast, though rallying to a consciousness of
sorrow, as was evinced by the tears which came slowly rolling
down her pale sad cheeks--tears which she had not the power to
wipe away.
Mr. Benson had remained in the house all day to hear the doctor's
opinion; and, now that he was relieved from the charge of Ruth by
his sister's presence, he had the more time to dwell upon the
circumstances of her case--so far as they were known to him.
Pages:
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168