She
expected him to speak, but he did not. She enjoyed an examination
into, and discussion of, her feelings; it was an interest and
amusement to her, while he dreaded and avoided all such
conversation. There were times when his feelings, which were
always earnest, and sometimes morbid, burst forth, and defied
control, and overwhelmed him; when a force was upon him
compelling him to speak. But he, in general, strove to preserve
his composure, from a fear of the compelling pain of such times,
and the consequent exhaustion. His heart had been very full of
Ruth all day long, and he was afraid of his sister beginning the
subject; so he read on, or seemed to do so, though he hardly saw
the letter he held before him. It was a great relief to him when
Sally threw open the middle door with a bang, which did not
indicate either calmness of mind or sweetness of temper.
"Is yon young woman going to stay any length o' time with us?"
asked she of Miss Benson.
Mr. Benson put his hand gently on his sister's arm, to check her
from making any reply, while he said--
"We cannot exactly tell, Sally. She will remain until after her
confinement."
"Lord bless us and save us!--a baby in the house! Nay, then my
time's come, and I'll pack up and begone. I never could abide
them things. I'd sooner have rats in the house."
Sally really did look alarmed.
"Why, Sally!" said Mr. Benson, smiling, "I was not much more than
a baby when you came to take care of me.
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