Boys always has. It's truth there will be more trouble, and
I shall have my share on't, I reckon. I can face it if I'm told
out and out, but I cannot abide the way some folk has of denying
there's trouble or pain to be met; just as if their saying there
was none, would do away with it. Some folk treats one like a
babby, and I don't like it. I'm not meaning you, Master
Thurstan."
"No, Sally, you need not say that. I know well enough who you
mean when you say 'some folk.' However, I admit I was wrong in
speaking as if you minded trouble, for there never was a creature
minded it less. But I want you to like Mrs. Denbigh," said Miss
Benson.
"I dare say I should, if you'd let me alone. I did na like her
sitting down in master's chair. Set her up, indeed, in an
arm-chair wi' cushions! Wenches in my day were glad enough of
stools."
"She was tired to-night," said Mr. Benson. "We are all tired; so
if you have done your work, Sally, come in to reading."
The three quiet people knelt down side by side, and two of them
prayed earnestly for "them that had gone astray." Before ten
o'clock, the household were in bed. Ruth, sleepless, weary,
restless with the oppression of a sorrow which she dared not face
and contemplate bravely, kept awake all the early part of the
night. Many a time did she rise, and go to the long casement
window, and looked abroad over the still and quiet town--over the
grey stone walls, and chimneys, and old high-pointed roofs--on to
the far-away hilly line of the horizon, lying calm under the
bright moonshine.
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