"
"Well! I reckon it cannot be helped now; but, if I buy ye a
ribbon, will you promise to wear it when Church folks come? for I
cannot abide the way they have of scoffing at the Dissenters
about their dress."
"Very well! we'll make that bargain," said Miss Benson; "and now,
Ruth, I'll go and fetch you a cup of warm jelly."
"Oh! indeed, Aunt Faith," said Ruth, "I am very sorry to balk
you; but if you're going to treat me as an invalid, I am afraid I
shall rebel."
But when she found that Aunt Faith's heart was set upon it, she
submitted very graciously: only dimpling up a little, as she
found that she must consent to lie on the sofa, and be fed, when,
in truth, she felt full of health, with a luxurious sensation of
languor stealing over her now and then, just enough to make it
very pleasant to think of the salt breezes, and the sea beauty
which awaited her at Abermouth.
Mr. Davis called in the afternoon, and his visit was also to
Ruth. Mr. and Miss Benson were sitting with her in the parlour,
and watching her with contented love, as she employed herself in
household sewing, and hopefully spoke about the Abermouth plan.
"Well! so you had our worthy rector here to-day; I am come on
something of the same kind of errand; only I shall spare you the
reading of my letter, which, I'll answer for it, he did not.
Please to take notice," said he, putting down a sealed letter,
"that I have delivered you a vote of thanks from my medical
brothers; and open and read it at your leisure; only not just
now, for I want to have a little talk with you on my own behoof.
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