of his former good payment prompted many little lies
of which Mrs Morgan was guilty that afternoon, before she succeeded
in turning out a gentleman and lady, who were only planning to remain
till the ensuing Saturday at the outside, so, if they did fulfil
their threat, and leave on the next day, she would be no very great
loser.

These household arrangements complete, she solaced herself with tea
in her own little parlour, and shrewdly reviewed the circumstances of
Mr Bellingham's arrival.

"Indeed! and she's not his wife," thought Jenny, "that's clear as
day. His wife would have brought her maid, and given herself twice as
many airs about the sitting-rooms; while this poor miss never spoke,
but kept as still as a mouse. Indeed, and young men will be young
men; and, as long as their fathers and mothers shut their eyes, it's
none of my business to go about asking questions."

In this manner they settled down to a week's enjoyment of that Alpine
country. It was most true enjoyment to Ruth. It was opening a new
sense; vast ideas of beauty and grandeur filled her mind at the sight
of the mountains now first beheld in full majesty. She was almost
overpowered by the vague and solemn delight; but by-and-by her love
for them equalled her awe, and in the night-time she would softly
rise, and steal to the window to see the white moonlight, which gave
a new aspect to the everlasting hills that girdle the mountain
village.

Their breakfast-hour was late, in accordance with Mr Bellingham's
tastes and habits; but Ruth was up betimes, and out and away,
brushing the dew-drops from the short crisp grass; the lark sung high
above her head, and she knew not if she moved or stood still, for the
grandeur of this beautiful earth absorbed all idea of separate and
individual existence. Even rain was a pleasure to her. She sat in the
window-seat of their parlour (she would have gone out gladly, but
that such a proceeding annoyed Mr Bellingham, who usually at such
times lounged away the listless hours on a sofa, and relieved himself
by abusing the weather); she saw the swift-fleeting showers come
athwart the sunlight like a rush of silver arrows; she watched the
purple darkness on the heathery mountain-side, and then the pale
golden gleam which succeeded. There was no change or alteration of
nature that had not its own peculiar beauty in the eyes of Ruth;
but if she had complained of the changeable climate, she would have
pleased Mr Bellin