a friend come to take care of you. Would
you like some tea now, my love?"

The very utterance of these gentle words was unlocking Miss Benson's
heart. Her brother was surprised to see her so full of interest, when
he came to inquire later on in the morning. It required Mrs Hughes's
persuasions, as well as his own, to induce her to go to bed for an
hour or two after breakfast; and, before she went, she made them
promise that she should be called when the doctor came. He did not
come until late in the afternoon. The invalid was rallying fast,
though rallying to a consciousness of sorrow, as was evinced by the
tears which came slowly rolling down her pale sad cheeks--tears which
she had not the power to wipe away.

Mr Benson had remained in the house all day to hear the doctor's
opinion; and now that he was relieved from the charge of Ruth by
his sister's presence, he had the more time to dwell upon the
circumstances of her case--so far as they were known to him. He
remembered his first sight of her; her little figure swaying to and
fro as she balanced herself on the slippery stones, half smiling at
her own dilemma, with a bright, happy light in the eyes that seemed
like a reflection from the glancing waters sparkling below. Then he
recalled the changed, affrighted look of those eyes as they met his,
after the child's rebuff of her advances;--how that little incident
filled up the tale at which Mrs Hughes had hinted, in a kind of
sorrowful way, as if loath (as a Christian should be) to believe
evil. Then that fearful evening, when he had only just saved her
from committing suicide, and that nightmare sleep! And now, lost,
forsaken, and but just delivered from the jaws of death, she lay
dependent for everything on his sister and him,--utter strangers a
few weeks ago. Where was her lover? Could he be easy and happy? Could
he grow into perfect health, with these great sins pressing on his
conscience with a strong and hard pain? Or had he a conscience?

Into whole labyrinths of social ethics Mr Benson's thoughts wandered,
when his sister entered suddenly and abruptly.

"What does the doctor say? Is she better?"

"Oh, yes! she's better," answered Miss Benson, sharp and short. Her
brother looked at her in dismay. She bumped down into a chair in a
cross, disconcerted manner. They were both silent for a few minutes;
only Miss Benson whistled and clucked alternately.

"What is the matter, Faith? You say she is better."

"W