knew what wages we gave her, and said we might get a far more
efficient and younger servant for the money. And, speaking about
money, think what our expenses would be if we took her home for the
next six months."

That consideration was a puzzling one; and both sat silent and
perplexed for a time. Miss Benson was as sorrowful as her brother,
for she was becoming as anxious as he was to find it possible that
her plan could be carried out.

"There's the fifty pounds," said he, with a sigh of reluctance at the
idea.

"Yes, there's the fifty pounds," echoed his sister, with the same
sadness in her tone. "I suppose it is hers."

"I suppose it is; and being so, we must not think who gave it to her.
It will defray her expenses. I am very sorry, but I think we must
take it."

"It would never do to apply to him under the present circumstances,"
said Miss Benson, in a hesitating manner.

"No, that we won't," said her brother, decisively. "If she consents
to let us take care of her, we will never let her stoop to request
anything from him, even for his child. She can live on bread and
water. We can all live on bread and water rather than that."

"Then I will speak to her and propose the plan. Oh, Thurstan! from
a child you could persuade me to anything! I hope I am doing right.
However much I oppose you at first, I am sure to yield soon; almost
in proportion to my violence at first. I think I am very weak."

"No, not in this instance. We are both right: I, in the way in which
the child ought to be viewed; you, dear good Faith, for thinking of
taking her home with us. God bless you, dear, for it!"

When Ruth began to sit up (and the strange, new, delicious prospect
of becoming a mother seemed to give her some mysterious source of
strength, so that her recovery was rapid and swift from that time),
Miss Benson brought her the letters and the bank-note.

"Do you recollect receiving this letter, Ruth?" asked she, with
grave gentleness. Ruth changed colour, and took it and read it again
without making any reply to Miss Benson. Then she sighed, and thought
a while; and then took up and read the second note--the note which
Mrs Bellingham had sent to Mr Benson in answer to his. After that she
took up the bank-note and turned it round and round, but not as if
she saw it. Miss Benson noticed that her fingers trembled sadly, and
that her lips were quivering for some time before she spoke.

"If you please, Miss Benson, I should l