I am going to
take little Rosa there. Papa has lent it to us. And the weather
is often very beautiful in November."
"Thank you very much. It is very tempting; for I have been almost
longing for some such change. I cannot tell all at once whether I
can go; but I will see about it, if you will let me leave it open
a little."
"Oh! as long as you like, so that you will but go at last. And,
Master Leonard! you are to come too. Now, I know I have you on my
side." Ruth thought of the place. Her only reluctance arose from
the remembrance of that one interview on the sands. That walk she
could never go again; but how much remained! How much that would
be a charming balm and refreshment to her!
"What happy evenings we shall have together! Do you know, I think
Mary and Elizabeth may perhaps come."
A bright gleam of sunshine came into the room. "Look! how bright
and propitious for our plans. Dear Ruth, it seems like an omen
for the future!"
Almost while she spoke, Miss Benson entered, bringing with her
Mr. Grey, the rector of Eccleston. He was an elderly man, short,
and stoutly built, with something very formal in his manner; but
any one might feel sure of his steady benevolence who noticed the
expression of his face, and especially of the kindly black eyes
that gleamed beneath his grey and shaggy eyebrows. Ruth had seen
him at the hospital once or twice, and Mrs. Farquhar had met him
pretty frequently in general society.
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