Then the
fine linen and delicate soft white muslin, which she had chosen
in preference to more expensive articles of dress when Mr.
Bellingham had given her carte blanche in London, were cut into
small garments, most daintily stitched and made ready for the
little creature, for whom in its white purity of soul nothing
could be too precious.
The love which dictated this extreme simplicity and coarseness of
attire, was taken for stiff, hard economy by Mr. Bradshaw, when
he deigned to observe it. And economy by itself, without any soul
or spirit in it to make it living and holy, was a great merit in
his eyes. Indeed, Ruth altogether found favour with him. Her
quiet manner, subdued by an internal consciousness of a deeper
cause for sorrow than he was aware of, he interpreted into a very
proper and becoming awe of him. He looked off from his own
prayers to observe how well she attended to hers at chapel; when
he came to any verse in the hymn relating to immortality or a
future life, he sung it unusually loud, thinking he should thus
comfort her in her sorrow for her deceased husband. He desired
Mrs. Bradshaw to pay her every attention she could; and even once
remarked, that he thought her so respectable a young person that
he should not object to her being asked to tea the next time Mr.
and Miss Benson came. He added, that he thought, indeed, Benson
had looked last Sunday as if he rather hoped to get an
invitation; and it was right to encourage the ministers, and to
show them respect, even though their salaries were small.
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