He was uncertain for a moment how to accost her, but she
saved him all doubt; in an instant she had his hand in both of hers,
her face flushed with honest delight.
"Oh, Mr. Benson, I am so glad to see you! I have so wanted to
know all about you. How is poor Ruth? dear Ruth! I wonder if she
has forgiven me my cruelty to her? And I may not go to her now,
when I should be so glad and thankful to make up for it."
"I never heard you had been cruel to her. I am sure she does not
think so."
"She ought; she must. What is she doing? Oh! I have so much to
ask, I can never hear enough; and papa says"--she hesitated a
moment, afraid of giving pain, and then, believing that they
would understand the state of affairs, and the reason for her
behaviour better if she told the truth, she went on--"Papa says I
must not go to your house--I suppose it's right to obey him?"
"Certainly, my dear. It is your clear duty. We know how you feel
towards us."
"Oh! but if I could do any good--if I could be of any use or
comfort to any of you--especially to Ruth, I should come, duty or
not. I believe it would be my duty," said she, hurrying on to try
and stop any decided prohibition from Mr. Benson. "No! don't be
afraid; I won't come till I know I can do some good. I hear bits
about you through Sally every now and then, or I could not have
waited so long. Mr. Benson," continued she, reddening very much,
"I think you did quite right about poor Ruth.
Pages:
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486