Ruby's Reward.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 54, 2 July 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

Ruby's Reward.

B yMBSGBOBGIE SHELDON,

. "The Forsaken Bride Author- °f

~ rrviumnh," "Tliafe ••Brownie's lnumpn,

Dowdy," etc.

CHAPTER VIII.

•igUBPBISiyC DISCOVERY.

.linned out of the drawing-room the poet's message to Mr .•#_? but she 'was waylaid in the hall - reSarf Carpenter, who said that he #__?_. introduce her to a friend ; and iff£ was aware of his intention, he Kledher back into the centre of the l^groupofyoung people, from whom CSW b,e *° s efc away or some

j^u felt uneasy and anxious until she ' Mr Whitfield quietly leave the room, i®! knew that he had gone to meet his eci^Sitor, then she gave herself '1, totbeeajoyment of the moment, and '*' became so absorbed in the merriment J .„____■ her that she almost forgot the iSf^doef a half-heur previous, Ctil a suppressed titter behind her caused I. _ tnrn around, when she was astonished to behold Mr Owen I-&^ Stedtipon an elegant blue velvet fi l Sf^haface expressive of minglod ISjggSSi?^ had remained bAtsTde, also turned, at the same moment'and she saw him give a violent start, Be he flushed hotly, and a dark frown •^faSpfofward.-as if to goto the 'Jo • then, suddenly changing his mind, he Traedhis hack sguaroly upon him, as if desirous of avoiding his notice. Ruby's'first thought, was for her proudcpHtedsister; but a glance showed her surrounded by a coterie of literary people, and she knew she had not yet espied her nninvited guest. She then set her keen Kttle wits to work to devise some way of -enticing him from the place, without woundlinghim or attracting attention. ' ' She slipped quietly away from her friends, ud fflidinc over to where Mr Rubles sat, asked him if he had seen Mr Whitheld. Yes he told her, the poet had come to lim, talked with him a lew moments, and then written bis name in a little book that he had "brought along on purpose." • "I wouldn't part with it for a thousand dollars, miss," he said, fumbling in his pocietfo'r it to show her. "1. come three 'hundred' miles to get it, and I'm the ■proudest man in the city to-night. Guess I've left it in the other room, after all," he added, as he did not seem to find it. " I'll get" it before T go. I couldn't leave without; saying, good-bye to you, miss, and thawing you for being: .6 kind. 1 saw you • 1 iihjwput didn't like to step in between 7y^H|lyo~r friends, so sat down to wait ,__lryou. were 'free. I .ha'n't forget your , /kindnes-fyoumay be sure!" •• ■ - ' .lYquare very welcome to whatiittle I R have done,", Buby replied, smiling; "and now, since you are so fond of Mr Whit/field's poems, wouldn't you like to come mime and look at some pictures which iH-strate some of them ?" . '.Fm afraid it will put you out, besides ___gyouf-om your friends," returned Mr B^gle., douhfetuliy.' :- "Oh,no; it will be a pleasure," and, ' ; wtthorfj ''"Siting "for" 'lur tu'er} jeetionsf . Eiby-JdEm'hack to the"liFrary.7 ' , -^ffie^h.^li.W.d''''liim several fine en- \ ravings, among which there were two or _is scenes taken from poems which* he jurficularlyadmired. He appeared greatly uferested, and while talking about them, repeated some stanzas in his quaint, homely my/: which showed that he both underio«7 and appreciated their peculiar leanfcy. ■ - :>-_■ 7!1 never saw any one more fond of Mr Whitfield's poems than you are," Ruby m d,smiling at !him, after one of these" re. .citations./- ■ ' ■• -./-> "I couldn't help liking them, for my Anna used to read them to me by the hour, daring that last year of her life, and when she got too weak to hold the book.l used to wad them'to her," he said, slyly brushing a toftpmhiseyes. ~"Yon have a right to love them, then," the young girl answered, in a tone of sympathy- "but," as a sudden thought occurred., her, "what edition have you. Mr Bugles?"-. ■'•' / •;.-: .-' ' "It is the di'mond,1 I'belipve; it's a homely-l_.tle book; and it's 'most worn out, vp„tes# P™* wifch fr't<* » whole handful of di'monds."^ .. "Of course nob; it must be very'sacred lifew »n. edition that is illu S . Rnby said hesitatingly, addin.: • thS Bi_» W°'ld please mftoknow tL. __X .^-J*"'' is whafc 1 ™ll mighty M andl such a stranger to you Sr£_ J? h it,' ho ■ answered deeply earnestnf*s that touched her jMMherself for a few moments, SJh&K 0*? TOOm > where, after S3£w crbook; caße a handsomely Sfe'- Bhe retra<*d her steps to S_ ttoh, er,n^ acquaintance. * e.tXcf^y Whll c S. ho heard a* aiW> juggles "ejcplain^ wh y he, "don'tvou feh/T^ _H b obher voice; P2 s tS ence likethi«? and of all «*» haveZ • CaSlonaschi&- yon hWe^urtti »f^^ le3' in » W Si _&_T d * di^n fc tbink anyT. ild e _e_ bave another J P*awl thjfc iil?,lo^ m for years." S* * you t^l! LT Udlm sentiment. hSSSg&S? fch"B con 'Panymust o*r! r aS nn sucb a-guy as you are ? e?'and^EdmnL r ! had" fc 'y°u ™V *<W 4 yefe"d' l COn.ider Hook *? ■-# isffhal^ 1^ "To befu're the tails aftri ~ down to' a point at, Z my boofcs; they'll °f y^ u.rs- ' The young 2^goZ' SS aCted as iftheil clothes. Sho\,\ oi the way about mv S* 10 * that f°vou H'ar n' S ? ake> don't let her £«bleS,i^ p ri thin# t0 me." was ?? advice, v 3 l, ',; and if you' 1 take 6 your^fßearceas c.tVfeln&^'fSWeime v melto-leave; w T ei'y ""handsomo "¥ Mr%^

Hi I shan't go till sho comes," .pTnan, doggedly ; " and I take it ||ard, Edmund, chat my brother's II be ashamed of me, and say such .|iogs to me." ?.|atKer was not your brother," was Afi.y retort to this claim of rela_'t(we_ were brought up together fag! if we did not have the same iol am sure 1 loved him like one. gffay, where is your brother, ivvi Ino brother. Walter Richardso*) apprentice to a carpenter after mfdoath." ■tiTpitln t ho have any of the pro-

Sewulcl he? He had no legal claW of üß<" I'lere was no will. I heard so, Sp'believe it, for I know tliat R|Sio hoy, and it was not liko lumve him unprovided for. We (jidti-Ur letter in season to come to fcllß 'Sfl'Ye never had the chance to leariiatters were settled ; but I supposettsee h"n we^ started in the work ," J shall not, replied Mr Carpenter, lly- "Walter Richardson is nothi vie, and has already been berietuiy expense more than he had any.rexpect." •'_j»aae him give up college ? " \Yid Edmund, growing warm in the (<t &ie reproach implied in the man's "f thought it was time he begano something for himself. I offoretplace in the office, but he refused iwent to work as a carpenter ; so 1 le. his own way." ".Will, I Oiin sorry, for ho is a promi_jt)S' man. I did think I'd go out to irate to make you a call and ask abc, to-morrow." " om engagement for to-morrow and sbfbe.at homo ; but Mrs Coxon will be.3 en tor tain you, if you catto go;) the house," Edmund returned.!/. " Whi I find Walter ?" Mr Ruggles asked, im tone. "I bie lives with a man by the name of lid; though I've heard he is in th) of Conant, the architect, some of M"A. '•It is lie couldn't have finished his educfremarked Owen Ruggles, reflect-voi " You'cjr; adopt him then and let him goetprtcd young Carpenter, with a she/ " That'sibad idea, Edmund," said his compaji an cagor tone. The yoiaa gavo a little scornful laugh at tl " Perhaj imagine Walter wouldn't gain very, by the transaction," remarked Miles, dryly. " You haven't heard, ma;'.hat there^ been a coal mine discern the old farm-" "No !',U'the young man, a note of eager into his tone. " Yes, sirivaluablo one too, besides indications/ in various spots. I've known it for", and, little by little, I've been buyih||l the land west of me, that I couldjlfl of, and I've got it for a more songiwasivt considered good for much, /.have been a great, many people wbp'vight Owen Ruggles was a: little crac'i tho upper story for wasting his.r. in such a way. But I reckon, since't was sunk this fall and the black qj_i;h_ve been pouring out as fast as "I|ftl<_ be carried off, the boot has pintSlthor foot." " Really, (piwen, you astonish me,' returned Edii Carpenter, in a tone that had chm|erceptib]y. "1 don't see but- you||br to be a rich man if that is the cflseimpose you'll be forming a companyif shouldn't wonder if should want|t&Bome stock. Perhaps Fwill run uplpiie and look into the thing before t-.eVJ_.ie_." "."■*.__..-'-' ff_;'l "shan't have an '§nS^_m_nt.Mshow you round with pl_a_M_. ~r■ d^ovraboiifc the'• <coi_--pany' though^ s0 poor as I m i__:ht be, and I guesgilnanacre fch e thing for myself for thg|t," was the dry response.

Ruby nearljf lj,j out right at this shaft. II ft She had beertffo f or an opportunity to enter the rodlL c .Mr' Ruggles his book, but upori.iC.ring that, the con-versation-was ofi^ai _. a t ur e she did not like to mtruaa'

She had nob^n te De a listener o anything not |h|. for bor cars « but she kept hoping|$ ou | d sfcop so - that she could go in, atfe heard what we have recorded. &'-, A good deal had^ revealed to her that she had never tted before . o ne thing particularly s S ed her, and thab was that Walterrßcton had been a protege of Edmnnd| nfeer - S father . and that he bad been hea|y se „b adrift upon the world since h|a ad - s death . hig education, cub, ship h is proHp ecb.. darkened by onefcld have been a kind protector and& or . while the j n . sight which she ha| ed reßardinß the would-be suitor wae|, alculated & fa _ crease her respects for; She made a bold^ re however, at this last pause .nthe^ation hed the door open and d&ft room. Mr Ruggles face hj*L it h pleasure at her appearance andjl_ nd Carpenter, though he started sl| |ag conscious thab the idlhad nob been securely closed, approwW wibh a mosb attable smile, and remar| , ™3 eal& MiBS übj§e had quite a surprise bhis evening m| ng my H uncle Mr. Ruggles is a guel^ 4 ile he 0 "b y°U &sh°™ him * marked favour. , m. Ruby could wibh dife . to] he r countenance at this urn % ™h, for afew moments previous|t d heard h i m beggmg bhab bhe man wtf_L fc , ■ ki ship with:him,- and hoMj.|M{?u 01 his being such a 'gum} r -Mr Ruagles's roundSl; 1 iifn-f * am^«, d £ Ch"l^_. !3v,»tmenb Ruggles," Ruby anlwl'S^ coldly, and then she tu?| o °^r new friend, adding : "This .sff? , he "v you about, and lam suref&Lt fortheill„st,abionsare^ eng a^ accept it with my complimef "It is very good of you.i fc , . much pains for a rough oil r, audlsha'n'tforgebito.yotnll f e^ he added in an apblogeS? haven'bdone usb the fight?!' . here to-nighb where bhlrelg.., ° °ome pany of high-toned people.'£ a CO% forgive me for baking so mu4 P ??U an<?ask your brother, too, tW° ur ta ™" -for being so bold." "gse me for - "I am very glad you cme._ Ru __ lfla » Ruby answered, cordially ■ k$S ' glad for several reasons. ' 7 she "^ It had shown her what afti . could be concealed beneathfe n uature tenor, while she had also dl_f Ug, t '„ X. broadcloth and polished Sf ed thafc sometimes cover an' unfeelinu _nay warped and despicable characte ' & Pray do nob feel uncomforta v you came wibhoub a special ins »Ui continued, wishing to reas3° n' *\ G [or she saw bhab hf had been ll' S« esb ' by whab Mr Carpenter had saidl y St"?? know thab my brobher appreciatem" , she bo see our friend, ThS 011 *c" Whitfield say thab he'didn« rd *Ir he had been so honoured." when _ "Bid he say that, Miss Got;,.! Mt . J lUf |lesinterr«pted,hisgood.|j d £ .."Indeed he did. He thoull. kind of you bo come so far jußblifc Jf?l^ while I am very happy to have Sl c h.™* mental in securing the interval 1"8"'"" the young concluS*^ ft "' '"

charming smile, "if ever you come to Philadelphia again, I hope you will make me another call. I promise you that I will give you a cordial welcome." " Thank you, thank you, miss," Owen Ruggles said, with a tender light in his eyes as they lingered upon her fair, s- h face, " and if you'd like to come up int. country for a week or month, when weather comes again, mother and I will l>e right glad to see you to our place Ro '• ville. It's right on the Alleghany River, and lots of folks come up that way to spend the summer. We've a comfortable place 'taint like this," he added, glancing around him, " but it's clean and roomy, and we'd be proud to do our best for you." "Really, sir, you tempt me strongly," Ruby returned, with animation, " and you need not be surprised if I take you at your word, and come to make you a little visit next summer. I should like to know Mrs Ruggles, too." "Well, now, Hike that; it shows that you ain't a mite set up because^ you've always been rich, and lived in this fine way. Heaven bless you, Miss Gordon! You've warmed my old heart with your kindness to-night, and you may be sure I sha'n't forget it," the man earnestly responded. He brushed a tear from Ins cheek as ho turned to leave the room ; for the attention he received from this beautiful girl made him feel his own childlessnoss more keenly than usual to-night. Ruby accompanied him to the door, where she bade him a friendly farewell, and then returned once more to the drawing-room.

CHAPTER IX. OWEN RTJGGLKS PAYS WALTER A VISIT. "That is a queer specimen of humanity who has just left us, Miss .Ruby," remarked Edmund Carpenter, as he followed her into the drawing-room. " Queer ? well, perhaps lie may be somewhat peculiar, but I am sure ho is a noble man at heart," she replied, thoughtfully. " What is your idea of a ' noblo man,' Miss Gordon ?" asked Edmund, with a sarcastic smile. Ruby turned and looked him straight in the eyes. " One who would never be guilty of a mean or cruel act: one who posscssos a kind and generous heart, and is courteous toward every ono, whether ho is rich or poor, high or low." Her companion winced. " Your standard is a high ono," he remarked, with a somewhat crestfallen air. " It is not my ' standard,' Mr Carpenter ; it is the standard 0/ One who over taught lessons of nobility and of charity; who commanded us to love our neighbours as ourselves, and to do unto others as we would wish to be done by," tho lovely girl replied, with a gentle gravity that was very impressive. Edmund Carpenter regarded her with a feeling of uneasiness. He would have given a good deal to know if she had overheard much of his conversation with Owen Ruggles. He was sure, from her manner, that sho had heard something he would havo preferred sho had not, for her bearing was reserved and cold toward him.

" "Do you imagine that a man liko Mr Ruggles can be susceptible to the proprieties and etiquette of high life?" ho asked.

" Why certainly, Mr Carpenter. Ho proved that to-night by his evident appreciation of a courteous reception. He may not bo able to practise them himself—he may not have had the social and oducational advantages that havo fallen to our lot; but he certainly has a tender heart and one that is keenly alive to what is good and beautiful : else he would never love the poems of Mr Whitfield as he appears to. I b.lieve we should treat, everyone, without regard to externals, as Wo desire and expect to be treated ourselves."

"And would you like to go to Bed ville * Did you really mean that you would, enjoy making him a visit next summer ?"'Edmund Carpenter asked, curiously. " Indeed I did; surely you do not imagine that I would tell the man an untruth ?" returned Ruby, colouring.

"No ; pardon me. But yet, one gets in the habit of saying pleasant things as a matter of form."

Ruby thought this could not be laid to his charge as a rule ; but she answered with a trifle of hauteur in her manner :

" I am sorry to know that you judge so sceptically of people ; I fear your faith in the honesty of humanity is not very slirong. But, Mr Carpenter, I despise anythiug which savours of untruthfulness or deceit, and I never say what I do not mean." Ruby saw one of her friends beckoning to her just then, and she was nob sorry to have tho interview interrupted. Her respect for her companion had rapidly diminished during the last half hour. "Excuse me, Florence Partridge wants me,'- she said, and flitted from his side without further ceremony, leaving him greatly disturbed and crestfallen. He saw no more of her that evening, except to receive a brief " good-night," as he made his adieus. He went home very angry with Owen Ruggles for having come there in that strange fashion, which had so resulted in his own discomfiture. He was angry with himself also for having treated him so surlily. Such treatment was entirely uncalled for ; he need not have seen him at all, and he knew he had rendered himself contemptible in Ruby Gordon's sight, while, if Owen Ruggles's story was true, he was destined to be a very rich man, and he, the son of the half-brother whom he had dearly loved, might have become his heir, perhaps, if he had played his cards differently. Then, too, he feared he had made an egregious blunder in the sarcastic pro posal he had made, that Mr Ruggles should adopt Walter—for the man had evidently seized it with eagerness He so bated the young man -as one who does another an "injury always hates its object—that he felt it would be a most mortifying and humiliating blow to have him step in between him and a large inheritance, even though he had an abundance without it.

He resolved, however, to do what he could toward making amends for his rudeness ; to remain at home the following day and exert himself to entertain his uncouth visitor ; while later, he would run up to Renville and interest himself in his plans for business. But Owen Ruggles did not trouble his half-brother's son for entertainment; he did not go out to Forestvale at all. The next morning, while Walter was busily engaged upon some fino finishing upon the inside of the building: where he was working, Mr Wayland came to him and informed him that some one wanted to see him below.

He immediately went down bo ascertain who ib was, and his face lighted with real pleasure as he recognised Owen Ruggles. He knew that he was rude and uncultivated in manner, but that his heart was as kind and gentle as a woman _ He had won Walter's heart while he was a boy, when he went bo spend a few weeks ab bhe farm, by making a companion of him, interesting himself in his boyish pleasures, and, more than all, by liobening to his cherished reminiscences of his mother and discussing her virtues wibh him wibh as much feeling as if he had been personally acquainted with and fond of her. "Oh, Mr Ruggles," he cried, giving his old friend a hearty shake of the hand, " how glad I am bo see you. When did you come to the city, and why have you nob been bo see us before ? I was so sorry you could nob come when Uncle Ralph died," he added, in a low grave tone. "1 believe you are glad to see me, Walter," said Mr Ruggles, earnestly scanning his face. . , -. " Why, of course I am ; why shouldn't I be ? I have not forgotten how kind you

have always been to me. Come in here and rest for a few minutes ; then I will show you around our new block." He led the way inbo a room bhab was nearly finished, seabed him upon a nail keg, and, occupying another, chatted with him for a little while, after which he took him to Mr Wayland, to Whom he introduced

He then showed him over bhe buildings, and during his tour of inspection Mr Ruggles endeavoured to sound Walter regarding his plans for the future.

" It is a great pity, Walter, that you had to give up college. I cannot understand it. I know that Ralph set a sight by you, and ho always told me that he should serve you like a son." \!

" And so ho did, Mr Ruggles, as long as he lived, and f loved him like a father,-' Walter answered. "As for college—well, I should have enjoyed completing my course, but I could not, so I must make the most of what education I have obtained."

" But wouldn't you liko to go back now ? Say the word, my boy, and you shall go," said Owon Ruggles, searching the young maa's face with an eager look. " I think it would hardly bo wise for mo to do that under existing circumsbances. I want bo be a business man and get to doing somebhing for myself as soon as possible Afber Uncle Ralph died and I found bhab I musb look oub for myself, I wished bo enter an architect's ollice and lib myself for that profession ; bub Mr Conant, to whom I applied, advised me to learn all that I could about carpentering first, so I have been hard ab work at ib during bhe lasb year. There is a libble more bliat I wish to learn before I go into tho office for good, which will bo very soon —indeed, lam there a good deal of my time now."

"Do you liko carpentering?" asked his companion. " I have been growing bo like it better during bhb lasb fow months. I am confident that it is going to bo of great practical uso to me, though I know that office-work will bo more to my baste." " Edmund oughb to have, helped you," remarked Mr Ruggles with a grave sliakc of tho head.

" He did not seom willing to," returned Waltor. "He wanted mo to go into the counting-room ; but I could not bring my mind to that, so I preferred to accept Mr Conant's offer. lb has been rabhor up-hill work. lb was pretty tough on my back and hands at first, for I was so unused to anything of the kind ; bub I have been growing stronger all the binio, and my courage has boen good, for I have felt that every day of faithful, honest work was bringing mo nearer the goal that I am anxious to roach."

Owen Ruggles looked in tho frank, manly faco beside him with admiration.

"With that spirit, you are suro to win your way in life," he said : " bub Waltor, I don't exactly liko it, to have you drudging like this, when you've always had everything you wanted, and Edmund is living in clover. Why didn't you come to mo for help ?" " I did not think of it, sir ; and, besides —if it had occurred to me, I doubt if I could have asked you. I havo always had an idea that life has been something of a struggle for you." • .

Farmer Rugc-les chuckled at this. " I guess you aint the only one that's had that notion," ho said, with a wise look ; '•' but I've had more of this world's goods all along than most people have given me credib for ; and now, I reckon, I sha'n't want for anything that I chooso to set my heart on for the rcsb of my life."

Walter looked astonished at this information, and Mr Ruggles procoeded to tell him of tho discoveries that had been made on his farm during the last year or two.

" And now," he concluded, " if you want to set up for yoursolf in the architect business, you can do it, and I'll be your backer as long as you need one. You've got the true grit about you, and you've always been a favourite of mine. I'd .just enjoy, helping, you oyor the ground a little faster" than you'd bo able to go alone, and show Edmund that there are other folks to appreciate and look after you, if he doesn't." Walter coloured crimson at this offer. He was deeply touched, for, aside from good MrsCoxon, who had shown him many little favours during the past year, there had been no ono to take a friendly interest in him since Mr Carpenter's death. " You are very kind," ho said, in a voico that was a trifle unsteady; "and, I suppose, if you had made me this offer at the outset, I should havo asked you to help me through college, and then let mo study in sonic architect's office. I asked Edmund to lend me the money for that purpose, promising to return it as soon as I could earn it "

"And wouldn't he?" demanded Mr Ruggles, in a sharp bone, while his small, round grey eyes glistened with resentment.

" No. He was offended because 1 would not do as he wished, and told me to go my own way ; he should wash his hands of me entirely. Perhaps I should nob tell you this. I know 1 have had a rrreat deal done for me in the past, and I would not appear ungrateful." " Well," returned Mr Ruggles, after thinking a moment, " what hinders you from letting me help you now?" " I was going to say, sir," Walter continued, " that since I have begun for myself and gone on well so far, I might as well continue in the same way. I rather enjoy the independence of looking out for number one; and, though my salary is small, I have managed very comfortably, and I shall soon be receiving more. I shall need to remain with Mr Conant a year or two longer before I shall be fit to attempt business for mysolf, so I guess I'll keep on as I have begun, and build upon my own foundation. I am very grateful to you, though," he concluded, " and I hope I may in the future be able to do something to prove it." ' " I haven't a child in the world, Walter, as you know," the man said sadly, " and 1 would be right glad to do something for you. But, perhaps, you aro right. At any rate, I admire your pluck, and I know you'll come out all right, only remember this—if you ever need a friend, Owen Ruggles is your man." " Thank'you, sir: and now, can I do anything for you while you are in the city ?" . " Well, I did think I'd like to see a little of it before I went home, and I meant to ask Edmund to take me about some ; bub I guess I won't to-day. I'll manage by daylight to get about myself. But if you know of anything interesting that's going on in the evening, I wish you'd mention it and come along with me." Walter's face brightened. He.had rarely attended a lecture or a concert during the last year, and therefore Mr Ruggles's proposal was very inviting. He mentioned several attractions, and his friend finally decided to go and see Booth in "Hamlet" at the Chestnut-street Theatre, and arranged for Walter to dine with him at six at the hotel where ho was stopping, after which he bade him a cordial eoodday, and went upon an exploring expedition about the city. The day was a brighter one to Walter than he had known for a long time, for he had something pleasant to look forward to in the evening, while he had been greatly cheered by the friendly interest Mr Ruggles manifested in him.

During dinner bhe farmer entertained him with an account of his adventure tho previous day ab Mr Gordon's, and our young friend was nearly convulsed wibh merrfmenb over the description, quaint and original as it was, of his experiences. He could readily imagine the whole affair—thab brilliant assemblage of guests "who had come to pay honour bo one of the counbry's sweetest'of'poets: .the appearance of the. uninvited-.stranger; with his peculiar dress and manner, and the shock which Edmund Carpenter's fastidiousness

musb have received upon beholding Mm seabed in bhab elegant drawing-room among bhe besb socieby of bhe ciby. Bub his heart was thrilled with admiration and benderness for the lovely girl who had conducbed herself with such true hospitality and kindness toward him; wh" had done her utmost to make him feel welcome and at ease, and to shield liirn from any unpleasantness and disappointmi .

) the evening, as he watched the performance of America's great tragedian, he seemed to see that slight, graceful figure flitting in and oub among her guests and showering her divine charity upon ono whom others would have slighted and neglected ; and in his heart he blessed her for her goodness, and almost felt as if it was a link to bind her closer to him than he had ever dared to hope for.

CHAPTER X. RUBY'S VISIT TO REDVILLe. Winter passed, spring and summer likewise, and nothing of importance had occurred in bhe lives of bhe characbers mentioned in our story. Ruby Gordon had spent a week or bwo at Capo May, Saraboga, and one or two other fashionable summer resorbs, where she had been greatly admired, and whither sho had been followed liko a shadow by Edmund Carpenber, who was growing every day more and more fond of her. Bub bhe young man did nob make much headway in her favour. Without appearing bo do so, or overstepping the bounds of courtesy, she had avoided him whenever she could, while her bearing toward him was far more reserved than of old.

Sho had mob Walter bub two or bhree times since that evening when ho came to brinrr her brother the plans of the new honso, and then only for a few moments at a time ; bub each meeting had served to deepen tho favourable improssion he had mncjo upon her. Tho now house was well under way when summer opened, and Ruby often longed to go out to see it ; bufc knowing that the young architect was there almost daily, to superintend somo portions of the work, a feeling of delicacy and shyness kept her away. Sho went away aboub tire middle of June, and tho season was ono continual round of gayeby and pleasure until the first of Soptember, when sho roburned.

Bub tho weather was unusually warm ; bho days so hob, bhe nights so exceeding oppressive, bhab life in the ciby became intolerable, and Ruby wilted perceptibly "We have made a mistake, Estelle, in coming home so early," she said one day to her sister, and thon all ab onco sho sbarted up with animation.

"I know what I will do ; I will go to Redville for a little trip," sho said, and seeking her brother, she interviewed him upon the subject, though Mrs Gordon laughed tho project to scorn. "Go with me, Robert, will you? You have often wanted to visit a coal mine, and this will bo such a good opporbuniby," sho pleaded. " Can you porsuade Estelle to go ?" asked Mr Gordon.

" No, indeed," Ruby answered, with a light laugh, " it would bo altogether too humble and uninteresting a trip for her .-esthetic bastes ; bub sho will nob mind our going." " Yes, I will go," replied Mr Gordon; " it will bo just such a trip as I should like ; the mountain scenery will be fine, while I became quite interested in thab quainb old man when ho was here, and I would really like to become better acquainted with him." So bhe brother and sister wont away for anobher holiday among the mountains, while Mrs Gordon flitted off to visit a friend in the country.

Owen Rugglos was very much pleased to .find, that the beautiful girl, who had, won. his heart by her kindness the previous winter, and her polished brobher should romember him wibh interest enoiigh to como so far to see him, and he and his good wife bestirred themselves upon hospitality,intent to make their stay as enjoyable as possible. They had sent word on before, sbabing when bhoy should arrive, and Mr Ruggles was ab bhe station to meet thorn when the brain stopped ab Rcdville, his benevolent face shining with hearbfolb pleasure, his small grey eyes gleaming wibh an honest welcome.

He had corao in a handsome carriage, wibh a noble pair of bay hovses that anyone might have been proud to drive, and Ruby thought there was cortninly something of stylo aboub bhe burn-oub, if there was nob about bhe man himself.

" Bless my heart! I'm downright glad to see you, sir," he said, shaking Mr Gordon heartily by tho hand. "And you, boo, miss," burning to Ruby and receiving her daintily gloved hand wibh almosb an air of reverence. "lb is long since tho old house up yonder has known whab ib was to have a bright young face in ib, and I know ib'll do mother a lioap of good to have you with us for a while."

Ruby knew he was thinking of the daughter, whom ho had so loved, by the quiver of his chin and the sudden reddening of his eyes. " I havo enjoyed every inch of the trip," Ruby answered. " The scenery is delightful, and, if you have plenty of time, Mr Buggies, I shall want you to show me all the pretty spots about Bed ville." • "You shall go everywhere youwanbto. Dan and Tip'll take you twelve miles an hour for as many hours in the day as you'll care to go. I ain't exactly a Philadelphy gallant, bub I'll do the honours the best 1 know how," Mr Ruggles concluded, with a roguish twinkle in his eyes. Ruby laughed." "I don't know of a single Philadelphia gallant thab I'd be willing to have take your place," she retorted archly, though before'bhe weok was' but she lhight'have been willing bo modify that statement somewhat.

.Themanaqtually blusljed witty'pleasure at her words, and remarked in a confidential aside bo Mr Gordon, " She's more like a di'mond than a ruby," a statement which amused her brobher inbensely. Arriving ab tho farm, which was a thriftylooking estate with a wide, roomy, oldfashioned mansion, built upon a green knoll bhab looked liko a carpeb of emerald velveb, and which was surrounded by magnificent oaks whoso shelbering arms were sbretched forth above ib as if in loving benediction, Mrs Ruggles appeared in the doorway to greet her guests. She was a plain,motherly-looking woman, having kind, dark eyes, in which bhere was a shade of sadness. Her hair was white as snow, and drawn back from her brow in smoobh, silken bands. Her face was rather pale, and had a care-worn look, bub bhere was a gentle smile upon her lips that won Ruby's heart at onco. She sbepped forward and laid her arm around bhe young girl's shoulder as she alighted from the carriage, while she looked earnesbly inbo her face for a momenb. Then she sbooped down and kissed her. • Bub almost instantly she seemed to feel as if she had taken a great liberty. A bright spob of colour sebbled in either cheek and sho drew back wibh an apologetic smile, saying: " Forgive me, my dear, bub you look so sweet and lovable I couldn't help ib, and you are very welcome bo our home." "Thank you, Mrs Ruggles," Ruby returned, heartily. "You are very kind bo greeb me so cordially ; and whab a beautiful place ib is ! Bub excuse mo, Mrs Ruggles, and let me introduce my brother, Mr Gordon," she concluded, turning bo bhabgentleman, who was quiebly awaiting an introduction. '.'„.. _'_■ "I hope I see you well, sir, said Mrs Ruggles, with hearty bub old-fashioned politeness.

Then she added, as a man came to take the horses,

"Supper is about ready, but perhaps you'd like to come in and geb a little of the dusb off firsb."

Ruby said she would, and bhe woman led her up stairs to a large, square chamber, wibh windows overlooking a magnificent; wesbern vi<nv bhat made bhe young girl exclaim, wibh delight: " Oh, M.< Ruggles, whab wonderful hills —-whab lovely valleys !" she cried, running to the window and looking out. . " What a feast you musb have all bhe year round." " La, child, I've lived .here all my life, and I suppose I've got so used to it all that it doesn'tseem verygrand to menow, though most of people think it is, and Idon'timagine I should be willing to live anywhere else for a greab while ab a time. It's home."

"It musb be beautiful here in the winber when everything is covered with snow. Those ball mountains musb seem almost like pillars in bhe temple of bhe Lord," Ruby murmured, wibh her eyes fixed in a faraway, almosb entranced gaze upon the disanb verdure-clad hills.

Tho woman regarded her wonderingly for a moment after this reverent speech, and then stole away, leaving her to enjoy the beautiful scene undisturbed.

But a little later the sound of a bell aroused her from her reverie, and, hastening to make some little change in her boileb, she went down bo supper. Never before had a meal tasted so good as did thab one eaben by the hungry travellers in the cool, shady dining-room of the Ruggles mansion, with the last rays of the sobbing sun sbealing in at ono window and touching wibh bheir mellow radiance bhe inviting table and tho happy group gathered about it.

Such tender, luscious bread, with golden, June bubter ! Such peaches—great, yellow crimson - hearted Crawfords — peeping bhrough bheir rich coab of Jersey cream ! Such tarts and cake ! And, best of all, the old-fashioned gingerbread, such as her own grandmother used to make when sho was a little girl, Ruby thought she had never basbed before, and sho emphasised- her commendations by doing full justice bo themany viands set before her.

After tea she asked Mr Ruggleß if she might go out to see bhe cows milked and take a peep into the stable and barn to see the horses and other stock, .and her host, delighted with tho interest she manifested in everything about her, displayed his possessions to her with no small amount of pride, while Mr Gordon sab upon bhe verandah and smoked his cigar. " lb is perfecbly lovely here," Ruby said, as bhey came oub inbo a little dell where there was an enormous apple tree, and underneath ib a well, with its antiquated swoop and bucket, which she asked her friend bo send down into the depths for some of the icy water, and when it camo up, sparkling, and dripping, she put her red lips eagorly to its brim and drank her

" I wish," she added, " I had come to Redville early in the summer, instead of going to Cape May and those other tiresome places." " Do you, really ?" her companion asked, astonished. " Why, I thought that Cape May was ono of tho grandest places in the counbry!" " So it is," Ruby reburned ; "it is albogether too grand, and I gob very tired wibh all the fashion and ceremony of bhe place. Now, ono could jusb have a good, lazy bime up here, wear a simple print dress all day if one wanted bo, and have plenby of beauby to feast one's eyes upon. The very air, too, is like some magic elixir, and seems to give now life wibh every breath."

" Well, now," said Mr Ruggles, a look of surprise, mingled wibh something of satisfaction shining in his honest eyes, " thab rather beats me! I thought all young folks liked them fashionable watering-places, with the dancing and dressing and all other fol-do-rols. But, bless me !if yoalikeifc up hare as well as you say, you shall 90.ne.and stay as long as you like next summer,"and I guess it would sorb of pub a new life into its to have a bright breezy girl like you about tho house."

"Thank you, Mr Ruggles; bub take caro bhab you are nob too precipitate aboub giving your invibabion, or I may take you at your word to your sorrow ; better wait until my week is up. I may make ib 100 'breezy for you," Ruby retorted, laughingly. "I guess not, and now we must begin bo bhink aboub whab we'll do while you're hero. I'm afraid ib'll be a little dull for you with no young folks aboub, and of course I'll have bo leave mother to entertain you while I show your brother about the mines."

"You need not fear that I shall be dull, Mr Ruggles, with all this about me," Ruby answered, as her eye roved from peak bo peak and her lovely face lighbed up wibh enbhusiasm. •'■ Then as she glanced towards the road and saw some one approaching she started and asked:

" Who is that 1 Are you going to have more company ?" "Eh," ejaculated the farmer, bending a surprised look upon the pedestrian, who was a tall, finely-formed man, and who appeared bo be coming direcbly bowards the farm-house wibh a sbrong, elasbic tread and bearing a satchel in his hand. " Why ! bless my heart! it does beat all ! bub, if my old eyes don'b -deceive me, ibs Walter himself!"

(To be Continued.)