We never should have heard of Master Richard's share in the
business if it had not been for Sally."
"But remember," said Mr. Benson, "how strict Mr. Bradshaw has
always been with his children. It is no wonder if poor Richard
was a coward in those days."
"He is now, or I'm much mistaken," answered Miss Benson. "And Mr.
Bradshaw was just as strict with Jemima, and she's no coward.
But I've no faith in Richard. He has a look about him that I
don't like. And when Mr. Bradshaw was away on business in Holland
last year, for those months my young gentleman did not come hall
as regularly to chapel, and I always believe that story of his
being seen out with the hounds at Smithiles."
"Those are neither of them great offences in a young man of
twenty," said Mr. Benson, smiling.
"No! I don't mind them in themselves; but when he could change
back so easily to being regular and mim when his father came
home, I don't like that."
"Leonard shall never be afraid of me," said Ruth, following her
own train of thought. "I will be his friend from the very first;
and I will try and learn how to be a wise friend, and you will
teach me; won't you, sir?"
"What made you wish to call him Leonard, Ruth?" asked Miss
Benson.
"It was my mother's father's name; and she used to tell me about
him and his goodness, and I thought if Leonard could be like
him----"
"Do you remember the discussion there was about Miss Bradshaw's
name, Thurstan? Her father wanting her to be called Hephzibah,
but insisting that she was to have a Scripture name at any rate;
and Mrs.
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