The jealous dislike which Jemima was allowing to grow up in her
heart against Ruth was, as she thought, never shown in word or
deed. She was cold in manner, because she could not be
hypocritical; but her words were polite and kind in purport; and
she took pains to make her actions the same as formerly. But rule
and line may measure out the figure of a man; it is the soul that
gives it life; and there was no soul, no inner meaning, breathing
out in Jemima's actions. Ruth felt the change acutely. She
suffered from it some time before she ventured to ask what had
occasioned it. One day she took Miss Bradshaw by surprise, when
they were alone together for a few minutes, by asking her if she
had vexed her in any way, she was so changed. It is sad when
friendship has cooled so far as to render such a question
necessary. Jemima went rather paler than usual, and then made
answer--
"Changed! How do you mean? How am I changed? What do I say or do
different from what I used to do?"
But the tone was so constrained and cold, that Ruth's heart sank
within her. She knew now, as well as words could have told her,
that not only had the old feeling of love passed away from
Jemima, but that it had gone unregretted, and no attempt had been
made to recall it. Love was very precious to Ruth now, as of old
time. It was one of the faults of her nature to be ready to make
any sacrifices for those who loved her, and to value affection
almost above its price.
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